Compressive Strength and SEM Observations of Geopolymers Reinforced by Carbon Fibers, Polyacrylonitrile Fibers and Cellulose Fibers

Abstract

Based on an optimal formula in previous study, the geopolymer composites reinforced by fibers, including carbon fibers, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers and cellulose fibers were prepared to investigate the effects of fiber content on their compressive strength. Results show that fibers can improve the compressive strength of fiber-geopolymers in general and the optimal addition proportion of each fiber is 0.2 % - 0.3 %. Microstructures on the polished surfaces of fiber-geopolymers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the reinforcement of fiber-geopolymer is contributed to the moisture content and surface characteristics of fibers.