Experimental investigation on impact strength of AR Glass, Basalt and PVA textile reinforced cementitious composites

Abstract

Textile reinforced cementitious composites are commonly used as structural or non-structural elements having superior properties. These composites are a combination of various technical textile and fine-grained matrix material. In this study, alkali resistance (AR) Glass mesh, Basalt mesh and polyvinylalcohol (PVA) weave textiles and polymer modified cementitious matrices were used in the production of composites. The composites are laminated elements having 4, 6 and 8 layers of textile materials. A newly developed machine was manufactured and a unique method (PPR: pull, pour, roll) was proposed by researchers. Impact performance of these composite systems was examined using the Charpy impact test system. Alkaline resistance test was applied to a series of composites to achieve information about the durability of both textiles and composites. After this procedure, impact tests were repeated on alkaline cured samples in order to find out strength reduction. The microstructure of composites was studied using scanning electron microscopy and observations were correlated with the impact test results and strength reduction after alkaline test. PVA textile reinforced composites achieved the highest absorbed energy and specific impact strength in alkaline cured and standard cured series. AR Glass reinforced composites had the lowest absorbed energy and specific impact strength in standard cured series. Basalt reinforced composites had the lowest strength and energy in alkaline cured series. PVA weave textiles are strongly recommended for use in structural elements where impact resistance is important. Also, they are more durable in cementitious environments than AR Glass and Basalt textiles.