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Published on: June 27, 2018
A Textile Waste Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite: Comparison between Short Random Fiber and Textile Reinforcement
Payam Sadrolodabaee1, Josep Claramunt2, Mònica Ardanuy3
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
Textile waste fibers can reinforce cement composites, enhancing ductility and reducing cracks. The optimal composite, using six layers of nonwoven fabric, shows potential for nonstructural concrete applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Sustainable Construction
Background:
- Millions of tons of textile waste are generated annually.
- Textile waste offers a sustainable solution for reinforcing cement-based composites.
- Utilizing textile waste can improve material ductility and reduce crack propagation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical and durability properties of cement composites reinforced with textile waste.
- To determine the optimal textile waste reinforcement method for cement composites.
- To assess the feasibility of using these composites in construction.
Main Methods:
- Two experimental programs were conducted using short random fibers (6-10% by weight) and nonwoven fabrics (3-7 layers).
- Mechanical properties (flexural resistance, toughness, stiffness) were characterized.
- Durability was assessed through unrestrained drying shrinkage testing.
Main Results:
- Cement composites reinforced with textile waste demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties.
- The composite with six layers of nonwoven fabric exhibited optimal performance.
- This optimal composite achieved a flexural strength of 15.5 MPa and toughness of 9.7 kJ/m².
Conclusions:
- Textile waste composites are feasible for nonstructural concrete applications.
- Potential applications include facade cladding, raised floors, and pavements.
- The optimal composite provides a sustainable and effective construction material solution.
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