Abstract
Nanocelluloses (NCs) are bio-based nano-structurated products that open up new solutions for natural material sciences. Although a high number of papers have described their production, properties, and potential applications in multiple industrial sectors, no review to date has focused on their possible use in cementitious composites, which is the aim of this review. It describes how they could be applied in the manufacturing process as a raw material or an additive. NCs improve mechanical properties (internal bonding strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR)), alter the rheology of the cement paste, and affect the physical properties of cements/cementitious composites. Additionally, the interactions between NCs and the other components of the fiber cement matrix are analyzed. The final result depends on many factors, such as the NC type, the dosage addition mode, the dispersion, the matrix type, and the curing process. However, all of these factors have not been studied in full so far. This review has also identified a number of unexplored areas of great potential for future research in relation to NC applications for fiber-reinforced cement composites, which will include their use as a surface treatment agent, an anionic flocculant, or an additive for wastewater treatment. Although NCs remain expensive, the market perspective is very promising.
Highlights
The improvement of cement properties through the addition of fibers of different natures and sizes has been in practice for decades [1,2,3,4,5]
The replacement of only half of the fibers by cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) resulted in better mechanical properties; the modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased by up to 50% (3.9 GPa) and the fracture energy decreased by less than 50% (0.17 kJ/m2 ). It is well-known that one of the main drawbacks associated with C-fiber cement composites (FCCs) is their limited durability, which is associated with the sensitivity of cellulose fibers to water, carbonation, and strong alkalis, and the generation of incompatible stresses
The performance of cellulose fiber cement composites (C-FCCs) has been improved in the last few decades, new strategies are required to further improve the durability and the mechanical properties of these composites, while developing ecofriendly technologies
Summary
The improvement of cement properties through the addition of fibers of different natures (steel, glass, synthetic, and natural) and sizes (macro and microfiber) has been in practice for decades [1,2,3,4,5]. Many research groups and industries have been extensively working on groundbreaking innovations to expand the market for NC products and to open up new potential applications in different areas, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing [50], energy devices [51], printed electronics [52], or energy smart materials [53] Cementitious composites, such as fiber cement composites (FCCs), have a complex structure that ranges from macro to nanoscale. The incorporation of nanoparticles to increase the contact surface area and its reactivity enables the application of the concepts of high-performance and functionally graded materials In this scenario, NCs make possible the production of more resistant cement composites or composites with special properties, replacing synthetic polymeric or inorganic fibers. Some new potential applications are reviewed, including their use as a surface treatment agent, an anionic flocculant, or an additive for wastewater treatment
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