Abstract
The article describes plasma modifications of the surface of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microfibers using oxygen and hydrogen plasma in order to improve the properties of the composite material containing modified microfibers, cement and recyclate. Five different modification times 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 seconds were applied. Changes on fiber surface were detected by SEM analysis, packed cell wettability measurement, and weight loss during modification. The selected durations of plasma treatment were chosen to produce test samples on which the modulus of elasticity was continuously measured and then bending and compression tests were performed. The measured values were compared with the reference samples. Oxygen modified fibers behavior is more hydrophilic compare with reference fibers, but hydrogen modified fibres behave more hydrophobic than reference fibers.
Highlights
Cement composite materials are widespread in the construction industry due to their advantageous properties and relatively low cost
The article deals with synthetic fibers that have been used since the early 1990s
Fiber-matrix cohesiveness depends on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) that transfers the tension to fibers [3]
Summary
Cement composite materials are widespread in the construction industry due to their advantageous properties and relatively low cost. Synthetic fibers are among the most commonly used fibers for reinforcing cement composites in practice [2]. The cohesion of fibers with cement matrix in fiber-reinforced cement composites has a significant effect on its properties. To increase (or reduce) the coherence of the fibers with the matrix, plasma surface modification can be employed. Plasma modifies fiber surfaces mechanically as well as chemically. With the increasing time of plasma modification process, changes on the surfaces are more significant [5],[6]. It is necessary to reduce the chemical bond and increase the physical bond between the fiber surface and the matrix. The fiber has been modified in hydrogen plasma, which on surfaces of some materials (diamond) induces hydrophobic behavior, which, along with mechanical modifications, could be ideal for these fibers
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