Fiber-matrix interactions in cement mortar composites reinforced with cellulosic fibers

With the aim of gaining a better understanding of the phenomena responsible of the loss of durability of cement mortar composites reinforced with vegetable fibers, this paper focuses on the analysis of the fiber-matrix interactions. More specifically we analyze the effects of the vegetable fibers on the cementitious matrix after their mixture for different periods of time and vice versa. Three kinds of cellulosic fibers with differences on its physic-chemical properties were studied: bamboo fibers, kraft pulp and cotton linters. The results show that the cellulosic fibers modify the total amount of heat released during the hydration process in the cement paste, this effect differing depending on the purity of the fibers. The high alkalinity of the cementitious matrix causes the partial dissolution of chemical components of the fibers and a harmful precipitate of the inorganic particles on its surface and/or lumen, damaging the fibers and hence decreasing its reinforcement capacity.