Silica Modified PP Fiber for Improving Crack-Resistance of Cementitious Composites

Abstract

To improve the interfacial bonding properties of polypropylene fiber-cement matrix, a new type of nano-silica modified polypropylene fibers was prepared by direct blend-spinning. As a comparison, Another polypropylene fiber was modified by surface chemical deposition of the silica particles by sol-gel method. The distribution of nano-particles on the fiber surface was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). This paper focuses on the effects on crack-resistance properties of fiber reinforced mortar(FRM) and present the mechanism of improving fiber-matrix interfacial properties, especially. The results demonstrate that the modified fiber with well-distributed of nano-silica has excellent mechanical properties, and crack resistance. The interfacial property of fiber-matrix is improved because of silica’s hydration activity. As the use of two kinds of modified fiber, the cementitious materials crack area is significantly decreased. In conclusion, the modified fiber by chemical deposition method which has slightly better overall performance.