CEMENT MORTARS WITH BOMBYX MORI SILK FIBERS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURFACE TREATMENTS

Abstract

The incorporation of natural fibers in cement mortars is an important area of research and development within the construction industry, as it seeks sustainable and ecological alternatives to traditional fiber reinforcements. This paper investigated the effects of different treatments on “Bombyx mori” silk fibers on the mechanical strength and durability of cement mortars, at the same time their architectural possibilities were analyzed. The studied fibers were cut to 20 mm in length, then treated with liquid calcium hydroxide, linseed oil and natural rubber latex. Finally, they were placed in the cement matrix in layers and arranged lengthwise. The mechanical performance and durability of the material were studied through the physical properties of water absorption by immersion, the mechanical properties of compressive, flexural, and impact strength at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing were also studied. The study was complemented with a simulation of alkaline environment of cement using a solution based on sodium hydroxide, measuring the degree of accelerated degradability of the fibers through mass loss. Overall, the results demonstrated that the composite material with fibers treated with natural latex and linseed oil exhibited higher flexural, compressive and impact strength and lower water absorption.