Physical and mechanical characteristics of raw jute fibers, threads and diatons (original) (raw)

Jute fiber reinforced mortars: mechanical response and thermal performance

Journal of Building Engineering, 2023

Enhancing energy efficiency and structural capacity are the main objectives of masonry retrofitting. However, a combined enhancement of both aspects is hardly achievable, as they are related to the relevant geometric and physical parameters in a somewhat "competitive" fashion. Therefore, the main focus of this research work is to achieve the dual positive effect by improving both thermal insulation properties and structural behavior of composite building materials, also with an eye to sustainability. In this context, jute fibers composite mortars were fabricated using three different fiber lengths (5mm,10mm and 30mm) and four different fiber percentages (0.5%,1%,1.5% and 2%) with respect to the mortar masses. Unreinforced mortar samples showed fragile collapse during the flexural and compression (with hour-glass shape) tests. Whereas the fiber reinforced mortar samples exhibited higher ductility and strain energy but lower strength. These composite samples present also higher thermal resistance as the fiber percentage increases. Samples with longer fibers (30mm, in all fiber percentage category) can dissipate more mechanical energy, whereas the samples with shorter fibers (5mm, in all fiber percentage category) have lower thermal conductivity values, and this reflects improvement in insulation capacity of the composite samples.

Sustainable Retrofitting Solutions: Evaluating the Performance of Jute Fiber Nets and Composite Mortar in Natural Fiber Textile Reinforced Mortars

Sustainability, 2024

Sustainable building materials for integrated (structural and thermal) retrofitting are the need of the hour to retrofit/upgrade the seismic vulnerable and ill-insulated existing building stocks. At the same time, the use of natural fibers and their recyclability could help construct safer and more sustainable buildings. This paper presents three aspects of jute fiber products: (1) the evaluation of the mechanical performance of the jute nets (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm and 2.5 cm and 1.25 cm mesh configurations) through tensile strength tests (with the aim for these to be used in upgrading masonry wall with natural fiber textile reinforced mortars (NFTRM) systems); (2) the hundred percentage recyclability of left-over jute fibers (collected during the net fabrication and failed nets post-tensile strength tests) for the composite mortar preparation; (3) and the evaluation of insulation capacity of the recycled jute net fiber composite mortar (RJNFCM) through thermal conductivity (TC) measurements, when a maximum amount of 12.5% of recycled jute fiber could be added in the mortar mixture at laboratory conditions and with available instruments Notably, when more than the said amount was used, the fiber–mortar bonding was found to be not optimal for the composite mortar preparation. These studies have been carried out considering these products’ applicability for integrated retrofitting purposes. It has been found that the denser mesh configuration (2.5 cm × 1.25 cm) is 35.80% stiffer than the other net configurations (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm). Also, the mesh configuration (2.5 cm × 1.25 cm) shows about 60% more capability to absorb strain energy. TC tests have demonstrated the moderate insulation capacity of these composite mortar samples, and the TC values obtained from the tests range from 0.110 (W/mK) to 0.121 (W/mK).

Laboratory Tests on Hydraulic Lime Mortar Reinforced With Jute Fibres

The Open Civil Engineering Journal

Background:Considering the high seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings located in the Italian territory, the implementation of seismic retrofit programs is strongly needed.. With consideration for sustainable interventions, it is evident that the retrofit techniques to protect the historical heritage should be carried out with innovative green compound materials, such as mortars reinforced with natural fibres.Objective:In the current paper, laboratory tests on lime mortars strengthened with raw jute fibres have been performed.Methods:The workability of the fibre-reinforced mixture has been assessed through shaking table tests, and the mechanical resistances of standard specimens have been evaluated by bending and compression tests.Results:Considering the hygroscopic nature of jute, it has been identified that the optimal water/lime ratio and the maximum water percentage are absorbed by jute fibres. From the results, how the spreading of the mixture, which is indicative of the mo...

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Composites

Journal of Multifunctional Composites, 2013

Composite materials based on natural fibres, especially jute, have the potential to be used in engineering load bearing applications. Inherent flaws within natural fibres in terms of the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in their structure absorb atmospheric moisture which reduces the compatibility of these fibres with polymer matrices. Fibre surface modifications using chemical treatments have the potential to improve fibre-matrix compatibility. In this study, jute fibres were treated with different concentration of alkali (NaOH) solutions. The changes in fibre structure after treatment were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Treated fibres were reinforced in polyester matrix to prepare composites by using hand lay-up method. The compatibility between fibre and matrix were analysed through mechanical property testing of the composites. Mechanical properties such as flexural and compressive strength, modulus and strain at break of composites were studied and compared. Best results were observed on compressive and flexural properties respectively for 5% and 7% NaOH treated samples. Thermal stability was also enhanced for the treated fibres. In general, thermal and mechanical properties of the treated fibres and their composites were superior to the untreated fibres.

Experimental Characterisation of Lime-Based Textile-Reinforced Mortar Systems Made of Either Jute or Flax Fabrics

Materials

Existing buildings are often in need of strengthening interventions, and several technical solutions have been recently developed for this purpose. Among them, the use of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) composites has gained consensus as a technically viable and economically convenient option. Moreover, TRM has the potential to be employed as a reversible and sustainable strengthening technique for masonry buildings. In this context, the present paper aims to investigate the mechanical properties of TRM systems consisting of sustainable phases, such as lime-based matrices and natural fabrics produced by waiving fibers obtained from plants, such as Jute or Flax. This class composite system can be referred to as natural TRM and is denoted by the acronym NTRM. The present study moves from the geometric and mechanical characterisation of fibres and fabrics and, after having also investigated the properties of the mortar, it reports the results of tensile tests carried out on specimens o...

The Influence of Fiber Treatment on the Mechanical Behavior of Jute Textile Reinforced Concrete

Key Engineering Materials, 2014

In the present work a natural textile reinforced concrete (TRC) was developed and mechanically characterized. A fabric made of jute, a natural occurring fiber, was used as reinforcement in a fine grained cementitious matrix with a low content of calcium hydroxide. Tensile tests were performed on TRC reinforced with 3 and 5 layers of jute fabric. The mechanical tensile tests were coupled with image analysis in order to measure the crack spacing and the results were correlated with the applied tensile strain. Various stages of loading corresponding to initiation, propagation, distribution, opening, and localization of a crack system in the specimen are discussed. In order to improve the fiber-matrix interface the jute fabric was treated with a polymer based coating.

NOVEL COMPOSITE MIX BASED ON JUTE FIBRES FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

The use of fibre based composite mix is increasing in recent times as the fibres have emerged as good alternative for numerous applications because of its low cost, eco-friendly nature and reinforcing properties. A lot of research on fibre based composite mix is undergoing on their application as building construction material. In the present study, fly ash-lime-gypsum mix was reinforced with jute fibres to form the novel composite mix to explore its potential as building construction material. Compressive, Tensile and Mineralogical studies were performed to determine the strength and mineralogical characteristics through Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Split-Tensile and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) tests, respectively of the fly ash-lime-gypsum mix reinforced with jute fibres. Beside this, regression analysis was also carried out using DATAFIT 9 software so as to predict the empirical relationship between the value of UCS and Tensile Strength at different proportions of jute fibres. The study revealed that the potential use of jute fibres mixed with fly ash-lime-gypsum mix as building material can be done in the construction industry so as make the material resistant to cracks and increase the life of structure.

An Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

RILEM State of the Art Reports, 2012

The environmentally friendly natural fiber reinforced polymers are increasingly taking attention in several industries like automotive and construction due to their properties such as being synthesized in desired properties, easy processing, non-corrosion, low weight, and low cost. In this study, untreated/ alkali-treated/silane (1.5%)-treated/alkali+ silane treated jute fabrics (25%) were reinforced to low density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer (75%) with 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% maleic anhydride additives for composite production by using hot pressing method. Further, the effect of jute fabric surface treatments on the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance properties of the LDPE/jute composites were investigated with the absence/ presence of maleic anhydride additives. The results indicate that the alkali/ silane treatment of jute fibers led to more than 30% improvement in mechanical properties of the composite structures when reinforced to untreated LDPE, and the mechanical properties of the composites had more than 45% improvement by maleic anhydride addition to the polymer in ideal ratios with untreated jute reinforcement.

Effect of Jute Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

2018

The presence of micro cracks in mortar-aggregate interface is responsible for the inherent weakness of plain concrete, which can be removed by inclusion of fibers in concrete mixture. At present “Fiber Reinforced Concrete” is one of the most promising construction techniques. Among different types of fibers, jute fiber can pose a great impact in the revolution of construction material in the context of Bangladesh, because of its availability and cheap price. In this study, various dosages of Jute fiber (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) with different values of w/c ratio (0.40, 0.45 and 0.55) were used to accomplish the testing of “Compressive Strength”, “Splitting Tensile Strength” & “Flexural Strength” of concrete. The “Fresh Concrete Properties” were also investigated. The results of the compression and split tensile test indicated that the presence of jute fiber tends to increase the strength at lower fiber percentage (maximum compressive strength 28.68 MPa at 0.4 w/c and 0.5% fiber, maximum splitting tensile strength 3.24 MPa at 0.45 w/c and 0.5% fiber). But it decreases at higher fiber percentage. Despite the minimal reduction in the compressive strength at higher jute fiber content, there is an improvement of ductility after cracking of concrete. Similarly, the flexure test results indicated that the maximum modulus of rupture of concrete is 7.44 MPa at 1.0% jute fiber content. In spite of the limited scope of the thesis work and the shortcomings associated with jute fiber, the thesis work results raises a hope that (Jute Fiber Reinforced Concrete) JFRC can be used in areas where small tensile reinforcement is expected and also in the construction of temporary structures. The least cost of jute fiber, its being renewable resources, the reduced weight of the JFRC composite and the reduction in consumption of other constitutes of the concrete matrix would indicate its economic advantage. Keywords: Fiber reinforced concrete, Jute fiber, Mechanical strengths, Ordinary Portland Cement. 1. INTRODUCTION Concrete is the most essential building material all over the world. The modern research works in construction material have introduced us to improved concrete such as highly durable polymer concrete, fiber reinforced concrete to overcome cracks in concrete, highand ultra-high strength concrete, light weight concrete to reduce foundation loads, and high performance concrete for special performance requirements. In the developing countries like Bangladesh, there has been a shortage of durable and low cost housing construction materials. The design of durable, low-cost building is technological challenge in present days. With appropriate use of fiber in cement composites seems feasible to control the inherent problems of cement composites and also for the effective construction. As we all know cement composites lacks in some characteristics such as cement composites behaves brittle with low tensile strength and due to its poor resistance to cracks opening, need of increase in durability of such composites must be taken in to account with some kind of modification in it. There are various types of fibers are present in market which can be used as reinforcement in cement concrete such as steel fiber, polymer fiber, carbon fiber and there are some natural fiber also like jute, sisal, sugarcane, rice husk etc. For the safety of the structures, many researches had been done so far to measure the mechanical strength of concrete with fiber. There are various works regarding the strength of concrete with steel fiber (Altun et al., 2007; Aydın, 2013; Dahake and Charkha, 2016; Song and Hwang, 2004; Sukumar and John, 2014; Velayutham and Cheah, 2014). Research on glass fiber reinforced concrete has been done (Singh and Kumar, 2014). Synthetic fiber like polypropene also got the attention of researchers (Alhozaimy et al., 1996; Aulia, 2002; Balaguru and Khajuria, 1996; Myers, Kang, Ramseyer, 2008). Natural fibers were used for research purpose as well (Codispoti, 2013). For our experimental purpose we have taken Jute fiber because as a natural fiber it possess several advantages such as low cost, easily available and ecofriendly and they also offer high strength and toughness when mixed in cement composites. Jute is abundantly grown in Bangladesh and it is extracted from a plant which grows about 2m in height and with a diameter of stem ranges in between 20mm to 30 mm. Jute fiber proves to be cheap, durable and strong and also an effective reinforcing material for cement based composites. Several studies were done to investigate the feasibility of using jute fiber in concrete mix. The length of jute fiber has an effect on the mechanical properties of concrete (Zakaria et al. 2016). Performance, workability and strength comparison of JFRC with plain concrete showed the scope of using jute fiber to improve concrete strengths (Pooja Warke and Shrinkhala Dewangan 2016; T. Sai Vijaya Krishna, B. Manoj Yadav 2016; Bal Gopal Guru, Sangeeta…

Properties of cementitious mortars reinforced with natural fibers

Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 2017

The purpose of this study is firstly to investigate the effect of various treatments on the chemical and morphological properties of the fibers of two xerophyte plants (Doum 'Chamaerops humilis' and Diss 'Ampelodesmos mauritanicus'), in order to improve the adhesion between fibers and cement matrix, secondly the effect of increasing inclusion rates of these two fibers on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of cementitious composites. Obtainable results by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the alkaline treatments of the Doum and Diss fibers with 1 and 3% NaOH for 30 min at room temperature resulted in an optimal improvement of the crystallinity index and alter the characteristics of the surface topography. The reinforcement of mortars with these two fibers caused a decrease in their bulk density and consequently the compressive strength, as well as an increase in their porosity and thus their capacity of water absorption. Moreover, the mortars reinforced with 2% of treated Diss fibers and 1.5% of treated Doum fibers show the high flexural strengths. Also, thermal conductivity measurements were carried out for different drying durations to assess the effect of water content on the thermal properties. Thermogravimetric Analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry are also performed to study the degradation and mass loss of composites at high temperature. The results reveal that the incorporation of these fibers reduces the thermal conductivity and increases the heat absorption of the composites.