PADILHA, J.A.S.; Use of sisal pulp as reinforcing element for lightweight concrete.; PADILHA, José Altair dos Santos.
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.
