Mechanical improvement of concrete by irradiated polypropylene fibers

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science 2005-10, Vol.45 (10), p.1426-1431
• Main Authors: Martínez-Barrera, Gonzalo, Vigueras-Santiago, Enrique, Hernández-López, Susana, Brostow, Witold, Menchaca-Campos, Carmina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Application fields; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Concrete; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber reinforcement; Fibre reinforced concrete (including asbestos cement); Gamma rays; Materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polypropylene; Polypropylene fibers; Properties; Reinforced concrete, Fiber; Technology of polymers; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.20418

Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) contains fibers physically mixed with gravel, sand, cement, and water. So far, adequate mechanical performance of FRC has been obtained at high cost and using complex technologies; important here is the geometry and surface characteristics of the polymers. We have modified polymeric‐fiber surfaces by using gamma radiation. Irradiated polypropylene (PP) fibers were submitted to 0, 5, 10, 50, and 100 kGy of gamma irradiation dosages. First, tensile strength of PP fibers was evaluated, and then fibers blended at 0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% in volume with Portland cement, gravel, sand, and water. The highest values of compressive strength were obtained with irradiated‐fibers at 10 kGy and 1.5% in volume of fiber. The result is 101 MPa, as compared to 35 MPa for simple concrete without fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:1426–1431, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers