Abstract
Ground iron blast-furnace slag (BFS) activated by a mixture of gypsum and hydrated lime was examined as an alternative binder for fibre-cement mortars produced by a low energy consumption method. Brazilian fibrous wastes from sisal and banana crops and also from a eucalyptus pulp mill were chosen for reinforcement. The composite preparation followed conventional mixing, ordinary vibration and wet chamber curing for the seven initial days. The composites achieved a modulus of rupture of up to 3.92 MPa at an age of 28 days. Flexural toughness was at least 40% superior to that of the non-reinforced matrix. Microstructure analyses presented additional information on the understanding of fibre-matrix interaction and its correlation with composites macrostructural behaviour. The effects of natural weathering on the performance of fibre-cement composites were investigated in comparison with accelerated ageing tests. Sixteen months of exposure in tropical climate conditions caused the severest decay in the loading capacity and composite embrittlement, in spite of the absence of superficial darkening or visible cracks. The reduction of the mechanical properties was attributed to a combination of different processes, such as matrix carbonation, fibre mineralization and transition zone degeneration.
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