Hybrid effect of calcium carbonate whisker and carbon fiber on the mechanical properties and microstructure of oil well cement

Individual carbon fibers, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) whiskers and their hybrid combination were used to reinforce the oil well cement, and the reinforced cement was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing. Compared with individual CaCO3 whiskers or carbon fibers, the hybrid combination of 10% CaCO3 whiskers and 0.3% carbon fibers can more effectively improve the strength and toughness. This is likely attributed to the carbon fibers pulling out from the cement matrix, better stress transfer in the presence of CaCO3 whiskers, finer dispersion of CaCO3 whiskers and good miscibility of CaCO3 whiskers with cement phases. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.