Correlation between hydration of cement and durability of natural fiber-reinforced cement composites

The influence of cement hydration on the durability of natural fiber-reinforced cementcomposites and the deterioration of the embedded natural fibers were investigated by incorporating four supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Cement hydration was presented to be a crucial factor in understanding natural fiber degradation behavior. The results indicated that the incorporation of SCMs slowed down both mineralization and alkaline hydrolysis of fiber cell walls by promoting the hydration of cement. This is attributed to the reduced alkalinity of pore solution and calcium hydroxide content. Degradation of natural fiber was significantly mitigated and the durability of cement composites was improved consequently. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.