Addition Of Glass Fiber Research Articles

Feasibility Study on the Use of Iron Ore Tailings as Fine Aggregate with Glass Fibre in Concrete

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world, but its production has significant environmental consequences, including high carbon emissions and natural resource depletion. As a result, there is an increasing interest in the development of sustainable concrete technologies that reduce concrete’s environmental footprint while maintaining its performance and durability. Partially replacing fine aggregate with industrial waste is one such approach. It is a great practice for developing sustainable concrete that can help with environmental problems caused by the dumping of these waste materials at the same time maintaining the performance of concrete. It also provides economic and social benefits in addition to the environmental benefits. iron ore tailings is one such industrial waste that is the by-product of iron ore beneficiation process which has shown the potential for partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete. In addition, glass fibre is added to improve the tensile property of concrete. A concrete mix of M20 grade were prepared by replacing fine aggregate with iron ore tailing at replacement level 15%, 25%, and 35% and the optimum replacement percentage was obtained. Further, glass fibre was added at the dosage of 0.5% by the weight of cement to the mix with optimised replacement of iron ore tailings and tests were conducted. This work also examines concrete’s physical, mechanical and durability properties with partial replacement of fine aggregate with iron ore tailings and glass fibre by conducting tests on strength and durability. Results obtained indicates incorporation of iron ore tailing with concrete reduces the workability of concrete, and the addition of glass fibre improved the compressive strength and split tensile strength. Durability tests show an increase in water absorption with the addition of iron ore tailings and a medium level of chloride penetration. The study showed the use of iron ore tailing as a sustainable alternative to fine aggregate in concrete.

Analysis of Selected Properties of Polymer Mixtures Derived from Virgin and Re-Granulated PP with Glass Fibers.

The problem of the growing amount of waste polymer materials currently affects virtually every area of the global economy. New actions taken by the E.U. and member states could lead to a reduction in the burden on the natural environment, as well as the reuse of thermoplastic waste. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibility of reusing post-industrial waste (recycled polypropylene-rPP) in order to produce mixtures with original polypropylene (PP) and glass fibers. The research undertaken is characterized by a high level of innovation and was carried out on an industrial scale from industrial waste. The primary goal of the analyses was to determine changes in the properties of the polymer mixtures depending on the amount of recycled polymers. For this purpose, four types of mixtures were prepared, characterized by different degrees of filling with recycled material obtained from big-bag packaging (the filling levels were 0 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 70 wt.%). A detailed analysis of the physical properties of the obtained mixtures was carried out to determine changes in the densities depending on the amount of rPP material. In addition, changes in the MFIs (melt flow indexes), characterizing viscosity changes, were analyzed depending on the amount of secondary raw material used. An analysis of the mechanical properties was also carried out based on static tensile testing, the impact strength (the Charpy method), and the Rockwell hardness test (the M method). The analysis of the thermal changes was performed using the DSC method. The results showed that the composites made of virgin polypropylene (PP GF30) and those made from re-granulates and glass fibers (rPP GF30) are characterized by similar mechanical properties and significantly different processing properties, determined by MFI. This means that the addition of re-granulates significantly affects the processability of the obtained materials, while the addition of glass fibers maintains the basic mechanical properties.

Long coir and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites prepared via wet-laid technique

Natural fiber composites offer an advantage in terms of weight saving for many automotive applications; however, many natural fiber composites lack properties to justify substitution for synthetic composites. Hybridizing the natural fiber composites by adding a fraction of synthetic fibers is an innovative approach to provide a balance between composite's performance and weight savings. In this study, coir fiber (40 wt%)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were hybridized by substituting a fraction of coir fiber with glass fiber (0–30 wt%). The composites were prepared using a novel wet-laid technique followed by compression molding, where the fiber length is preserved. The composites prepared by hybridizing PP/coir fibers with glass fibers were light in weight (6–20% lighter compared to 40 wt% glass fiber reinforced PP) with significantly enhanced tensile (strength – 49–182%, modulus – 54–130%), flexural (strength – 41–104%, modulus – 64–193%), and impact properties (157 - 474%) compared to 40 wt% coir fiber reinforced PP composites. Furthermore, the addition of glass fiber (10–30 wt%) to coir fiber reduced the water-absorbing tendency (by 18–74%) of PP/coir fiber composites. All in all, this work has potential applications in automotive, mass transit, and truck applications where natural fiber composites are being investigated as alternatives to metal and/or fully synthetic composites.

Mechanical Properties and Ion Release from Fibre-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement.

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties and ion release from a commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cement to a formulation reinforced by the addition of short glass fibres at various percentages. Methods: Three experimental groups were prepared by adding a mass ratio of 10%, 15% and 20% of short glass fibres to the powder portion of the cement from a capsule (GC Fuji II LC), while the control group contained no fibres. Microhardness (n = 12), fracture toughness, and flexural, compressive and diametral tensile strength (n = 8) were evaluated. To study ion release, readings were obtained utilising fluoro-selective and calcium-selective electrodes after 24 h, 7 days and 30 days (n = 12). The spatial distribution of fibres within the material was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni adjustment. Results: The findings suggest that elevating fibre weight ratios to 20 wt% results in improved mechanical properties (p < 0.05) in microhardness, flexural strength, diametral tensile strength and fracture toughness. In terms of ion release, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the groups at the conclusion of 24 h and 7 days, when the fluoride release was much higher in the control group. However, after 30 days, no significant distinction among the groups was identified (p > 0.05). Regarding calcium release, no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups at any of the evaluated time points (p > 0.05). SEM showed the fibres were homogeneously incorporated into the cement in all experimental groups. Conclusions: Resin-modified glass ionomer enhanced with short glass fibres at a weight loading of 20% showcased the most favourable mechanical properties while concurrently maintaining the ability to release fluoride and calcium after a 30-day period.

Effect of Glass Fiber and Rubber on the Properties of Expansive Soil and Its Utilization as Subgrade Reinforcement in Road Application

Expansive soil is a problematic material for construction due to its high potential for volume change, which can cause damage to road infrastructure. This study aims to investigate the effect of glass fiber and rubber on the properties of expansive soil and its suitability as subgrade reinforcement in road applications. The maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were evaluated for varying percentages of glass fiber and rubber in the soil. The results showed that the addition of glass fiber and rubber had a positive effect on the soil properties. The MDD and CBR increased with increasing fiber and rubber content, while the OMC decreased. Additionally, the reinforced soil exhibited a significant improvement in strength compared to the unreinforced soil. The study suggests that the incorporation of glass fiber and rubber can enhance the performance of expansive soil as subgrade reinforcement in road applications.

A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Defective Gypsum Boards

As a waste derivative, glass fiber has drawn a lot of interest from the engineering community. The purpose of this study was to use glass fiber to improve the performance of defective gypsum boards. Single compression experiments, repeated loading experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) testing were performed on defective gypsum boards. The results showed that the addition of glass fiber can improve the compressive strength of defective gypsum boards. When the fiber concentration is 1.5%, the strength of single-hole gypsum boards increases by 77.1%. Energy evolution and residual strain evaluation after repeated loading showed the significant reinforcement of the dual-hole gypsum board samples with the addition of glass fiber, improving the stress distribution and elasticity, which was confirmed using damage factor analysis. Glass fibers reduce stress concentrations, improve integrity, and prevent brittle failure, especially at high stress levels. The microstructural analysis showed that the addition of glass fiber improves adhesion and prevents microcracking while acting as a stress transfer bridge, enhancing the behavior of the specimen under cyclic loading. Based on the experimental results and cost, 1.5% glass fiber is the optimal concentration. The research results provide new ideas for the application of glass fiber in defective and brittle materials and contribute toward the sustainable development of the construction industry.

Effect of Glass Fibre on Slag-Fly Ash based Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete is a high strength environment friendly construction material. However, less ductility and high brittleness are the major challenges of the geopolymer concrete. The addition of fibres in concrete impedes the fracture propagation and improves the overall mechanical properties of the concrete. This study investigates the fresh and the hardened properties of ambient cured plain and glass fibre reinforced slag-fly ash based geopolymer concrete (SFGC). All the mixes were prepared using an alkaline solution, composed of 14 molar sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and liquid sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) with a modulus (SiO2/Na2O) ratio of 2.5. Alkali resistant glass fibres at the dosage of 1.5% by volume of the concrete were added to the mix to evaluate the workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength of glass fibre reinforced slag-fly ash based geopolymer concrete (GF-SFGC). The experimental results indicated that the addition of glass fibres in SFGC mix reduced the workability and density of concrete. The average compressive strength of SFGC determined at 7, 28 and 56 days was decreased by approximately 2-4% by adding the glass fibres into the mix. However, the average 28-day flexural strength of GF-SFGC was about 24% higher than the plain SFGC mix. Overall, GF-SFGC specimens remained intact even after the failure as compared to SFGC specimens.

Mechanical properties of vinyl ester hybrid composite laminates reinforced with screw pine and glass fiber

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;The screw pine and E-glass fibers were hybridized in the vinyl ester resin matrix to prepare the hybrid composite laminates in the present communication. Hybrid composite laminates at the constant volume fraction of 35.12% has been fabricated using the hot press compression molding in two forms, namely dispersed and skin-core, to evaluate the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of composite laminates were studied based on the various volume fraction of glass fiber content (0, 3.32, 8.15, 12.44 and 16.53 vol.%). The scanning electron microscopy (HITACHI S-3000N) was used to study the fracture surface of composite laminates. The results of hybrid composite laminates were compared with a neat resin sample and screw pine fiber (35.12 vol.%) alone composite. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of both the type of composite laminates increased as glass fiber addition was increased. The SPF18.59/GF16.53 hybrid composite laminate exhibits the highest level of mechanical properties because of the concentration and higher elongation percentage of glass fibers. Moreover, the skin-core type composites perform better than those of the dispersed type hybrid composites. Because of the stretching nature of screw pine fibers, they elongate when the load is transferred from glass fibers to screw pine fibers, resulting in an increase in mechanical properties. The property values were predicted using a theoretical model, and it was found that the two were in good agreement.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Mechanical characterization of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Air Lime-Based Mortars

The basic issue in determining the deformational properties of masonry is to conduct a comprehensive experimental characterization of the masonry components' materials, including their mechanical properties. This characterization process is even more important for new sustainable mortar solutions, especially in the context of strengthening and renovating existing masonry buildings, including historic structures. The work presents and discusses the mechanical tests carried out on a mixed cement-lime mortar based on air lime and reinforced with the addition of industrial glass fibres. Mechanical testing on prisms (40 × 40 × 160 mm) and cylinders (60 diameter × 120 mm height) demonstrated the beneficial impact of fibres in the mortar mixture analysed specifically in terms of improved compressive, flexural and splitting post-peak behaviour.

Evaluation the stress distribution in root canals by 3D finite element analysis after the materials used in reattaching the vertically root fractured fragments.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of stress distribution on vertical, horizontal, and oblique forces on the tooth model after reattaching the fragments of the maxillary incisor with vertical root fracture (VRF) using different materials, by 3D finite element analysis (FEA). Tooth with a root canal, spongious, and cortical bone models were designed. VRF was modeled on a tooth with 4 different re-attachment models: Group 1: dual-cure cement (DC)+fiber reinforced composite (FRC), Group 2: DC+polyethylene fiber, Group 3: DC+glass fiber, and Group 4:DC. 100 N force was applied in 3 different directions. Maximum principal stresses (σmax) of dentin, and re-attachment materials were evaluated on colored images. The highest σmax values ​​were on the repair materials under vertical forces for Groups 1 and 4, respectively; Groups 2 and 3 showed similarity. The highest σmax values in repair materials under horizontal and oblique forces were observed in Group 3 however the lowest σmax values in repair materials under oblique and horizontal forces were observed in Group 1. The stress values ​​on repair materials gradually increased respectively starting from horizontal to vertical. As the elasticity modulus of the repair materials increased, the stress values ​​on root dentin increased. Through all force directions, except vertical forces, lower stress values were observed with FRC. The fracture resistance was bigger when using solely FRC or dual-cure resin cement in comparison to fiber-supported designs. Adding polyethylene fiber to re-restorations decreased stress values ​​compared to glass fiber addition. Therefore, when adding fibers, polyethylene fiber will be advantageous.

To Study the Partial Replacement of Cement with Bamboo Leaf Ash and Addition of Glass Fiber

Abstract: Concrete could be a material which is a mixture of coarse and fine mixture bonded along with a fluid cement (cement paste) that hardens or cures over time. Once aggregate is mixed with cement &amp; water, the mixture forms a fluid suspension that's simply poured and formed into shape. The cement reacts with the water and different constituents to create a tough matrix that binds all the materials along into a stone-like material that has several uses. Reinforcement material used should have excellent bonding characteristic, high tensile strength and good thermal compatibility. Reinforcement requires that there shall be smooth transmission of load from the concrete to the interface between concrete and reinforcement material and then on to reinforcement material. . Glass fiber-reinforced concrete premix is a mixture of AR glass fiber, sand, cement, water, chemical and mineral admixtures, and aggregate. These fibers reduce crack width and spacing between cracks. They are very high temperature resistant as they absorb high energy thereby providing the property of ductility the content of bamboo ash is constituted of inorganic minerals, which consists mainly silica, potassium and calcium. Magnesium and manganese are other two common minerals. The result shows that concrete workability is fine and within limits after replacing cement with BLA with adding glass fibers. However, workability gets reduced at higher replacement of materials. The strength parameters such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength also increase and show an optimum value at 12% cement replacement and 1.5% Addition of glass fibers respectively. Test results are satisfactory up to 12% and 1.5% replacement. After this, there is a decrease in the strength of concrete.

Tribological Investigation of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites against 52100 Chrome Alloy Steel Based on ELECTRE Decision-Making Method.

Fibers play an important role when studying the tribological behavior of reinforced friction composites. The purpose of the current research is to develop a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) recipe with improved tribological properties as well as to find the composites with the optimal tribological behavior. A ball-on-disc tribometer was used to perform dry sliding friction testing, the obtained results were then analyzed with the ELECTRE (ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalite-elimination and choice translating the reality) method based on a utility matrix having process parameters the applied load, sliding velocity, and weight percentage of the fiber content. The ELECTRE method was chosen to find the optimal tribological parameters, with respect to more performance criteria, because it is one of the best multiple criteria decision-making methods. The optimal combination of parameters for the multi-response characteristics of the investigated friction composite was at an applied load of 10 N, a sliding velocity of 0.1 ms-1 and a 54% weight fiber content. The results showed that the addition of glass fiber (GF) content did not considerably improve the tribological behavior of the friction composites. In addition, from the nano focus-optical 3D scanning electron microscopy, images of the friction, tested friction and wear composites, plate formation, fiber-matrix delamination, fiber pull-out, and matrix cracking and damage, various wear mechanisms were identified.

Fire-resistant performance of new sustainable waste-lightened composites with glass and basalt fibres reinforcement

In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the incorporation of plastic wastes into gypsum or plaster compounds with the aim of achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Despite the vulnerability of plastic materials to high temperatures, it is not common to analyze the behavior of these new compounds in case of a fire. In this study, different lightweight plaster compounds have been developed, partially replacing the original raw materials with plastic waste in dissolution up to 23.5% and reinforced with glass and basalt fibers. After exposing the compounds to real direct fire, mechanical characterization (flexural strength, compressive strength, surface hardness tests) and physicochemical characterization (XRD, TGA) have been carried out, including the calculation of CO and CO2 emissions associated with the combustion of the compounds, as well as imaging by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the reduction in the density (between 15%−24%) of the new compounds favored lower temperatures during exposure to flames, preventing material cracking. Likewise, the new composites experienced a loss in flexural strength between 44%− 51%, and a drop in compressive strength between 2%− 63%, being these losses in strength lower than those experienced by the reference composites. The addition of glass fibers demonstrated to confer better flexural behaviour to the compounds with added waste, while the basalt fibers were more efficient in compression. Furthermore, the estimated toxic emissions produced during the combustion of the designed compounds did not exceed the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) values established by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), remaining below 2000 ppm/h for CO and 40,000 ppm for CO2. This study contributes to a better understanding of the behavior of plaster compounds with incorporation of plastic waste in case of fire, highlighting the developed materials as a viable alternative for the production of more environmentally friendly prefabricated products.

Experimental and numerical evaluation of mechanical performances of hybrid Palmyra-Palm-Leaf-Stalk/Glass fiber reinforced polyester composites

In the present work, four layered Palmyra-Palm-Leaf-Stalk (PPLSF)/Glass hybrid composites laminates with six distinct stacking orders were made by following hand lay-up method. Different experiments were carried out to determine the tensile, flexural, impact and hardness of the laminates as per ASTM standard. The results reveal that the addition of glass fiber to PPLSF significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the laminates. On successive replacement of PPLSF by glass fiber, an enhancement of properties such as 291.39% for tensile strength, 72.08% for flexural strength, 75.82% for impact strength, and 78.44% for micro-hardness was observed. Again, it is also noticed that the stacking order plays an important role in influencing the properties while comparing experimental finding of laminates with equal weight percentages PPLSF and glass fiber. Further to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a 3D CAD model of tensile and flexural specimen was created in space-claim modeler of ANSYS R19.0 and subsequently imported to generate numerical predicted values. While comparing the numerical and experimental results, there was very good agreement among the results was found. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used for fractography analysis of the tested samples to examine the different mode of failures.

Investigation of the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete using expanded polystyrene reinforced with glass fibers

The use of lightweight concrete has gained popularity in the industrial construction sector owing to its ability to reduce dead weight and enable smaller cross-sections of beams. Adding expanded polystyrene to replace a portion of fine aggregate is a widely accepted solution to decrease the weight of concrete. However, lightweight expanded polystyrene concrete (EPSC) has poor mechanical properties and brittleness, limiting its application to non-bearing structures and thermal isolation. Glass fiber reinforcement is a promising solution to improve the mechanical properties of lightweight expanded polystyrene concrete. This study investigates the effect of glass fiber content on the mechanical properties of lightweight expanded polystyrene concrete. To investigate the impact of glass fiber on the mechanical properties of concrete, various volume percentages of glass fiber were incorporated into the mixture. The compressive and tensile strengths of the concrete were measured and compared for each percentage of glass fiber added. The results showed that the addition of glass fiber significantly reduced workability without causing a significant impact on volume density and compressive strength The study concludes that glass fiber reinforcement is a promising solution to improve the flexural strength of lightweight expanded polystyrene concrete and make it suitable for load-bearing applications in construction.

The impact of non dental glass fiber addition against tensile strength pre-polymerized fiber reinforced composite

Background: Composite resin is one of the most used materials in dentistry because of the simplicity and high aesthetic value. One of the varieties of composite resin is prepolymerized composite resin. Some research show that prepolymerized composite resin has relatively low mechanical strength. Therefore fiber needs to be added in prepolymerized composite resin. The aim of this research is to find out the effect of adding non dental glass fiber into tensile strength fiber reinforced composite. &#x0D; &#x0D; Method: This research used true experimental method with post test only control group design, there are two groups, the first one is prepolymerized composite resin with additional non dental glass fiber. The data has been tested with parametric independent T-test.&#x0D; &#x0D; Result: The result showed the average flexural strength of prepolymerized composite resin without additional non dental glass fiber was 10.6625 Mpa, while the prepolymerized composite resin + non dental glass fiber was also 18.2263 Mpa. Independent T-test showed the p value = 0.000&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusion of this research is that prepolymerized resin + non dental glass fiber has higher tensile strength than composite resin without additional non dental glass fiber, thus it can be used as alternative choice applied in dentistry.

Study on the Performance and Mechanism of Glass Fiber-Reinforced MgO-SiO2-H2O Cement.

The magnesium silicate hydrate system (MgO-SiO2-H2O) possesses issues such as susceptibility to cracking, brittleness, and poor volumetric stability, which hinder its development and practical use in engineering applications. This study aimed to enhance the properties of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system by incorporating glass fiber as a reinforcing material. The mechanical properties, shrinkage properties, and properties during accelerated aging were tested at different content levels of glass fiber. Additionally, the reaction mechanism and microscopic morphology were characterized using microscopic testing methods. The results revealed that the addition of glass fiber improved the mechanical properties of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system; meanwhile, with an increase in fiber content, the mechanical properties showed an initial increase followed by a decreasing trend. With a glass fiber content of 0.6%, the system exhibited a flexural strength of 7.9 MPa at 28 d, a compressive strength of 42.5 MPa at 28 d, and a 27.2% increase in splitting tensile strength compared to the control group. At a fiber content of 0.9%, the flexural toughness steadily increased, reaching a maximum value of 2.238 N·m, which is 5.41 times greater than that of the control group. Moreover, the incorporation of glass fiber effectively inhibited the shrinkage of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system. Accelerated aging experiments confirmed that the glass fiber in the MgO-SiO2-H2O system did not undergo significant deterioration or corrosion, thereby maintaining long-term stability. These findings have important theoretical and practical significance for the application and development of the MgO-SiO2-H2O system.

Investigation on flame‐retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polyimide composites

AbstractComposites with excellent flame retardant and mechanical properties are in high demand in the aerospace and various industrial fields. Glass fiber (GF) reinforced polyimide (PI) composites (GFRPCs) were fabricated using a simple ball milling and hot pressing technique. The effect of GF content on the thermal stability, mechanical and flame retardant properties of composites has been systematically studied. The Rockwell hardness of GFRPCs increase with increasing GF content, while the compressive strength, impact strength and flexural strength initially show an increase followed by a decrease due to the excellent dispersibility of the fillers and the strong interfacial interaction between the one‐dimensional GF and PI matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis results show that the addition of GF with very low thermal conductivity and excellent temperature resistance can effectively improve the thermal stability of PI. Adding GF into PI can obviously improve the limiting oxygen index value. Moreover, as the GF content increased, the time to ignition of the composites prolonged while total heat release decreased. These findings suggest a viable solution for enhancing both the flame retardance and mechanical properties of PI‐based composites.Highlights GFRPCs with high GF content fabricated via ball milling‐hot pressing method. Silane modified GF obviously improves the thermal stability of PI matrix. GFRPCs‐28 exhibits superior mechanical properties. An increases in time to ignition (TTI) and mass residual rate (MRR) of the GFRPCs was observed on adding GF.

Study the effect of different fillers on the performance of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐based thermal shielding materials

AbstractPolymeric composites are becoming increasingly popular materials due to their wide range of uses in heat shielding materials for solid rocket motors and aerospace applications. Novel polymeric composites are prepared and evaluated containing chopped carbon fibers, glass fibers (GF), and basalt fibers (BF), besides, recently used fillers such as Kevlar fibers (KF), and fumed silica (FS) to study their effects on the mechanical, thermal, and ablative properties of the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) hybrid composite. Mechanical, chemical, thermal, and ablative tests are performed to show the performance of the prepared polymeric composites. Experimental investigations have shown that the addition of GF to the EPDM matrix has a great influence on raising the tensile strength to 6.570 MPa. By incorporating KFs into EPDM, a solid char layer is formed during ablation, resulting in the best ablative performance with a decrease in the ablation rate of 73%, while the addition of FS, and BF to EPDM gives the best thermal stability results with total weight loss of 80.34%, and 81.77%, respectively.

Experimental study of lightweight concrete prepared from super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and glass fibers (GF)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and glass fiber (GF) additions on the properties of lightweight concrete. The SAPs act as a pore-forming agent, with the addition of various GF contents (0.1–1.0% by weight of dry ingredients). The results indicate that the use of SAPs at 7% by weight of OPC produces a product with similar properties to conventional lightweight concretes which meet the ASTM C332–17 standard. The addition of GF to the mixture tends to reduce the dry density and compressive strength, but increases the porosity and flexural strength. The results indicate that the use of SAPs at 7% by weight of OPC produces a product with similar properties to conventional lightweight concretes which meet the ASTM C332–17 standard. The 28-day compressive strengths decreased from 7.04 ± 0.07 for control sample to 4.59 ± 0.11 MPa, while the flexural strengths increased from 3.89 ± 0.04 for control sample to 6.72 ± 0.06 MPa. High-porosity lightweight concrete prepared from SAPs and GF shows reduced thermal conductivity and an increased sorption rate. The initial rate of water absorption gradually increases from 2.48 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 in the sample without GF up to 5.45 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 in the sample containing 1.0 wt.% GF. Comparison with the literature indicates that the use of SAPs as pore-forming agents in conjunction with GF has the potential to produce fiber-reinforced lightweight concrete with improved properties.