Babassu Fibers as Green Mortar Additives

Abstract

Babassu carbohydrate fibers (BCF) are abundant and renewable materials that are currently underutilized. The present work evaluates the use of alkaline-treated BCF (TF − 0.6, 1.0, 1.4% w/w) as additive to cementitious mortars. Mass consistency, specific mass, water absorption, void ratio, and porosity, as well as compressive and indirect tension fracture strengths, were evaluated and compared to control mortars (without fiber addition). The results confirmed that the treated BCF can be an effective alternative as a potential reinforcement in cementitious composites. Furthermore, they are prepared by an alkaline treatment that is easy to operate, cost-effective, and efficient. The addition of BCF to the cement matrix decreased the water absorption capacity and void ratio, whereas increased compressive and tensile strength compared to mortars prepared in the absence of BCF. In particular, the addition of 1.0% of TF increased the compressive strength by up to 77%. Good interfacial adhesion of the alkaline-treated BCF with the rest of mortar components resulted in an increase in the values of mechanical properties. The studied fibers are potential materials for new sustainable mortars with improved properties.

Keywords

• babassu epicarp fibers
• alkaline treatment
• cementitious mortars
• physical properties
• mechanical properties
• fiber-cement matrix interaction