Optimizing the performance of concrete tiles using nano-papyrus and carbon fibers

Abstract

Abstract Concrete is considered one of the greatest innovations in the construction industry since it has significant applications in the construction field. The main limitation of concrete is the low flexural and tensile strength, especially for concrete tiles used for floors and roofs. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the behavior of concrete tiles by using both nano-papyrus (NP) and carbon fibers (CF). Eleven different concrete mixtures with different content of NP and CF were prepared using various models, and the percentage of NP content ranged from 1.5 to 7.5%, while the percentage of CF content ranged from 0.2 to 1%; flexural strength and water absorption tests were also conducted. It was found that employing NP enhanced the flexural strength of concrete tile by up to 48%, whereas using both NP and CF optimized the flexural strength by up to 57%. Also, the surface and total absorption rates decreased by up to 47.1 and 52.6%, respectively.