Bonding in fabric-cement systems: Effects of fabrication methods

This paper compares the effects on the bond between fabric and cement matrix of three different processing methods: casting, pultrusion and vacuum condition. The fabrics included bonded glass mesh, woven polyvinylalcohol, and warp knitted weft insertion polypropylene. Pullout tests were performed to examine the bond between fabric and cement matrix. A microstructural analysis was conducted and correlated with pullout data. Improved bonding was obtained for fabric-cement composites produced with the pultrusion process, particularly for fabrics composed of multifilament yams that have open junction points and no sizing to seal individual yams. This improved bonding results from the impregnation of the fabric in the cement chamber during the pultrusion process, which filled the spaces between the filaments of the multifilament yams. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.