Utilização da polpa de sisal como elemento de reforço do concreto leve.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to develop composite materiais reinforced with sisal pulp. Sisal fibres and bamboo pulp were also used in the investigation. It was determined the physical (density, water absorption, volume of voids and dimensional changes) and mechanical (compressive and flexural strength) properties of the composites as well as its thermal conductivity. Besides the water curing the composites were cured in autoclave in order to improve its mechanical performance. Compression moulding was used in order to produce composites for structural applications. The density of the composites ranged frora 900 to 1700 kg/m3 depending on the mix proportion, type of cure and method of production. The water absorption ranged from 31 to 65% whereas the volume of voids ranged from 39,1 to 53,8%. The dimensional changes ranged from 0,97 to 2,29 mm/m. Values of compression and flexural strength ranging from, respectively, 0,89 to 35 MPa and 0,45 to 3,13 MPa were observed for the composites. Thermal conductivity values between 0,16 and 0,44 W/m.K were observed depending on the content of sisal pulp and vermiculite present in the mix. The results indicated that depending on the mix proportion, cure condition and production method the composites can be used as insulating material, in the production of partition walls, house components as well as structural elements.