Study on the Compressive and Flexural Properties of Coconut Fiber Magnesium Phosphate Cement Curing at Different Low Temperatures

Abstract

The incorporation of coconut fiber (CF) into magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) can effectively improve upon its high brittleness and ease of cracking. In practical engineering, coconut fiber-reinforced magnesium phosphate cement (CF-MPC) will likely work in cold environments. Therefore, it is essential to understand the effects of various types of low-temperature curing on CF-MPC performances, but there are very few studies in this area. In this study, the static compression and three-point bending test were utilized to examine the compressive and flexural characteristics of CF-MPC with various CF contents and different negative curing temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to observe the impact of low-temperature maintenance on the structure and hydration reaction of the specimens. The results indicate that CF-MPC curing at low temperatures was more prone to cracks during compression and bending, while the appropriate amount of CF could enhance its plastic deformation capability. The CF-MPC’s compressive and flexural strength declined as the curing temperature dropped. Moreover, with the rise in CF content, the samples’ compressive strength also tended to fall, and there was a critical point for the change in flexural strength. In addition, MPC’s primary hydration product (MgKPO4·6H2O) decreased with a drop in curing temperature, and more holes and fractures appeared in CF-MPC.