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Published on: September 12, 2019
The Effect of Ultraviolet Modification on the Performance of Polyamide Fiber-Reinforced Cement Mortars: Optimization
Aliye Akarsu Özenç1, Ali Mardani2, Fatih Özenç2
1Textile Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey.
Polymers
|June 12, 2026
Summary
UV surface modification of polyamide fibers enhances cementitious composites. This environmentally friendly method improves mechanical properties by optimizing fiber-matrix bonding, leading to significant increases in flexural and compressive strength.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polyamide (PA) fibers are used in cementitious systems.
- Improving the fiber-matrix bond is crucial for composite performance.
- Surface modification can enhance interfacial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of UV surface modification on polyamide fibers.
- To optimize UV treatment parameters for fiber-reinforced cementitious systems.
- To evaluate the impact on fresh and hardened properties of the composites.
Main Methods:
- Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) for optimization.
- UV surface modification of polyamide fibers.
- Mechanical testing (tensile, flexural, compressive strength) of cement mortar composites.
- Surface analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Main Results:
- Optimal parameters identified: 0.50% fiber content and 18 min UV exposure.
- UV modification increased fiber roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups.
- Significant improvements in mechanical properties: 27.4% increase in flexural strength, 11.3% increase in compressive strength.
- Enhanced fiber-matrix bond observed in UV-treated samples.
Conclusions:
- UV surface modification is an effective method to improve polyamide fiber-cementitious composites.
- The enhanced interfacial adhesion leads to superior mechanical performance.
- UV treatment offers an environmentally friendly approach for advanced construction materials.
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