Natural fiber reinforced high calcium fly ash geopolymer mortar

This study investigated the properties of high calcium fly ash geopolymer mortars containing natural fibers. Two types of natural fibers, namely sisal fiber and coconut fiber were incorporated in the geopolymer mortar with varying proportions at 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% volume fraction. The mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of geopolymer mortar reinforced with fibers were tested and compared with those of glass fiber (synthetic fiber) and control (0% fiber) geopolymer mortars. Results revealed that the addition of natural fiber (sisal and coconut fibers) as reinforcing materials resulted in significant improvement in tensile and flexural strength performances similar to the use of glass fiber. Meanwhile, the workability, dry density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and compressive strength values tended to decrease. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.