Optimization of matrix viscosity improves polypropylene fiber dispersion and properties of engineered cementitious composites

Zhang, Duo; Zhu, He; Hou, Menjun; Kurtis, Kimberly E.; Monteiro, Paulo J. M.; Li, Victor C.

doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128459

Optimization of matrix viscosity improves polypropylene fiber dispersion and properties of engineered cementitious composites

Journal Article · Thu Jul 14 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Construction and Building Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128459· OSTI ID:1977028

^[1]; ^[2]; ^[2]; Kurtis, Kimberly E. ^[3]; Monteiro, Paulo J. M. ^[4]; ^[2]

Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); OSTI
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)
Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is a durable cementitious material with high tensile ductility and strain-hardening characteristics. Although considered as a cost-effective fiber for ECC, polypropylene (PP) fiber is reportedly difficult to disperse in mortar matrix due to its high aspect ratio and hydrophobicity. In this study, the matrix viscosity of a low-carbon ECC based on limestone calcined clay cement was tailored as a variable to improve PP fiber dispersion under a pre-determined mixing protocol. The effect of matrix viscosity on the composite fresh and hardened properties was investigated experimentally. Results suggested an optimal range of matrix viscosity (10.3–11.5 Pa^.s) favors the composite tensile strength and strain capacity at 28 days. At the optimal state with a 0.1 % viscosity modifying admixture (VMA)-to-binder mass ratio, PP-ECC achieved 7.0 % tensile strain capacity and 3.5 MPa ultimate tensile strength. When matrix viscosity falls outside the desired range, both ultimate tensile strength and strain capacity were diminished. By tailoring the VMA dosage, the matrix viscosity can be adjusted for desired fiber dispersion, workability, and mechanical properties. Finally, the findings of this study provide a technical reference for the practical design and application of PP-ECC.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Grant/Contract Number:: AR0001141

OSTI ID:: 1977028

Journal Information:: Construction and Building Materials, Journal Name: Construction and Building Materials Journal Issue: C Vol. 346; ISSN 0950-0618

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
Calcined clay
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Optimization of matrix viscosity improves polypropylene fiber dispersion and properties of engineered cementitious composites

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