Strength and fracture toughness of earth-based natural fiber-reinforced composites

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength, fracture toughness, and resistance-curve behavior of natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composite materials. The composites, which consist of mixtures of laterite, clay, and straw, are stabilized with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of composite materials 2016-04, Vol.50 (9), p.1145-1160
Main Authors: Mustapha, Kabiru, Annan, Ebenezer, Azeko, Salifu T, Zebaze Kana, Martiale G, Soboyejo, Winston O
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Composite materials
Compressive strength
Fiber composites
Fracture toughness
Portland cements
Straw
Strength
Sustainability
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Summary:This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength, fracture toughness, and resistance-curve behavior of natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composite materials. The composites, which consist of mixtures of laterite, clay, and straw, are stabilized with controlled levels of Ordinary Portland cement. The compositional dependence of compressive, flexural/bend strength, and fracture toughness are explored for different proportions of the constituent materials using composites and crack-tip shielding models. The underlying crack-microstructure interactions associated with resistance-curve behavior were also studied using in situ/ex situ optical microscopy. This revealed evidence of crack bridging by the straw fibers. The measured resistance-curve behavior is also shown to be consistent with predictions from small- and large-scale bridging models. The implications of the results are then discussed for potential applications in the design of robust earth-based building materials for sustainable eco-friendly homes.
ISSN:0021-9983
1530-793X
DOI:10.1177/0021998315589769