Interaction Mechanism of Cementitious Composites Containing Different Twisted PVA Fiber Bundles

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) have made significant progress in improving the tensile and flexural properties of concrete members. Studies have shown that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers can effectively enhance the toughness of FRCCs, but the haphazard distribution of short-cut fibers makes it difficult to give full play to the high tensile strength of the fibers, and it is difficult for bundled fibers to effectively bond with the concrete substrate, which has become a challenge in the study of changing materials. Twisting the fibers by a physical process to improve the bonding performance of PVA fibers with FRCC substrate is a safe and feasible solution. However, research on silicate cementitious composites reinforced with twisted PVA fibers is limited. In this study, the interaction mechanism of through-length twisted PVA FRCCs with different twist factors and fiber bundle numbers was investigated. A concrete matrix material configured from silicate cement, fly ash, silica fume, and medium sand, in which PVA fibers with different twist factors were pre-incorporated, was used for the tests. Three-point bending tests were carried out on specimens with different twist factors (0, 50, 100, and 150 twists per meter) and fiber bundle numbers 1, 2, and 3. Compared to the untwisted PVA fiber specimens, the twist factor of 100 and the single fiber bundle specimens showed significant improvements in the bending properties, including a 36% increase in deflection, a 68% increase in the equivalent bending stress, and a 119% increase in energy consumption. Micro-X-ray computed tomography scans showed improved bending properties and energy consumption capabilities due to enhanced bonding properties as a result of the increased fiber–matrix interaction area and surface toughness.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Highly Flowable Geopolymer Composites with Low-Content Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber

“…Macroscopic mechanical tests were used to evaluate PVA fiber tensile properties and their impact on geopolymer mechanical properties. Microscopic mechanisms were examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to identify component interactions at a microlevel [50,51]. ESEM and EDX sample preparation involved cutting specimens, selecting representative pieces, removing microorganisms, eliminating free water, and fixing samples with conductive epoxy resin.…”