Evaluation of cellulosic pulps treated by hornification as reinforcement of cementitious composites

This study evaluated the effect of the homification process on cellulosic fibers of bleached pine and unbleached eucalyptus with in order to improve its durability and volume stability to be used as reinforcement in cementitious matrices. The study indicated that the treatment did not deteriorate the properties of viscosity and index of crystallinity and decreased the capacity of water retention. Composites reinforced with hornificated and untreated pulps with thermal curing or accelerated aging were produced and evaluated to assess their physical and mechanical behavior. The use of hornificated fibers as reinforcement generated improvements in the modulus of rupture and specific energy of the composites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.