Effect of Plant Fiber on Early Properties of Geopolymer

Abstract

Geopolymer (GP) is environmentally friendly, has good mechanical properties and long-term workability, and has broad application prospects. However, due to the poor tensile strength and toughness of GPs, they are sensitive to microcracks, which limits their application in engineering. Fiber can be added to GPs to limit the growth of cracks and enhance the toughness of the GP. Plant fiber (PF) is cheap, easy to obtain, and abundant in source, which can be added to GP to improve the properties of composites. This paper reviews recent studies on the early properties of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymers (PFRGs). In this manuscript, the properties of PFs commonly used for GP reinforcements are summarized. The early properties of PFRGs were reviewed, including the rheological properties of fresh GPs, the early strength of PFRGs, and the early shrinkage and deformation properties of PFRGs. At the same time, the action mechanism and influencing factors of PFRGs are also introduced. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the early properties of PFRGs, the adverse effects of PFs on the early properties of GPs and the solutions were summarized.

A Review of Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: Preparation, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties

“…This interface structure can not only effectively transfer stress and prevent crack expansion, but also improve the resistance of the material to external environmental factors. At Of course, SF is a representative plant fiber, and its durability and compatibility with GP matrix are a focus of researchers [133,134]. One of the ways to improve the durability of plant fibers is to increase fiber-matrix adhesion by changing the composition of the matrix or changing the alkalinity of the matrix [135][136][137].…”

Effect of Wet–Dry Cycling on Properties of Natural-Cellulose-Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Short Review

“…According to different types and parts of plants, NCFs commonly used for geopolymer reinforcement can be divided into bast fibers, leaf fibers, fruit fibers, seed fibers, and stem fibers [39]; their concise classification is shown in Figure 1. According to Lv et al [11], NCFs composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin have unique microstructure. The chemical composition of NCFs from different sources is different, and the effect of NCFS on the interface adhesion between NCFs and the matrix is also significantly different, as shown in Table 2.…”

“…The main raw materials of alkali-silicate mineral active materials are metakaolin, clay, feldspar, and other crystalline minerals [47,48]. According to Lv et al [11], NCFs composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and ligni have unique microstructure. The chemical composition of NCFs from different sources different, and the effect of NCFS on the interface adhesion between NCFs and the matri is also significantly different, as shown in Table 2.…”

“…Plant fibers, also known as vegetable fibers, are natural celullose fibers (NCFs). Compared with other traditional fibers, NCFs have the characteristics of low price, good mechanical properties, good adhesion to matrix, and biodegradability [11,12]. Due to people's increasing concern about environmental issues, engineering researchers are trying to find sustainable and can replace traditional synthetic fibers as structural reinforcement fibers.…”