Thermal conductivity, microstructure and hardened characteristics of foamed concrete composite reinforced with raffia fiber

Abstract

Researchers have become enthralled with using natural fiber, which is a waste product from industrial processes, as an additive in cement-based materials. This is due to the fact that natural fiber is inexpensive, has principal carbon neutrality, and is obtainable in large quantities. Additionally, this fiber is made from a renewable resource. Hence it has a low density and is amenable to undergoing chemical alteration. The idea of this investigation is to discover the reactivity of raffia (raphia vinifera) fiber (RF) in low-density foamed concrete (FC). FC density of 950 kg/m3 was utilized. Workability, density, thermal conductivity, SEM analysis, compressive, bending, and tensile strengths were the parameters that were quantified and assessed. Based on the outcomes, it has been determined that the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of FC-RF composites may be enhanced by using RF with an ideal reinforcing fraction content of 6%. Slump flow gradually decreased from 2% to 8% RF fraction content. The lowest slump flow was achieved by adding RF to the FC mixture at a fraction content of 8%. The density of FC-RF composites shows a developing tendency, likely because of the RF's comparatively high specific gravity and increasing fraction content. The addition of RF to FC considerably enhances the material's compressive, bending, and tensile strength. The optimal strength characteristics emerged when 6% RF was added to FC. Besides, the FC thermal conductivity improves as the weight percent of RF increases because the porous structure of FC with RF allows it to absorb heat.

Keywords

• Foamed concrete composite
• Raffia fiber
• Hardened characteristics
• Thermal conductivity
• SEM analysis