Interaction of Mineral and Polymer Fibers with Cement Stone and their Effect on the Physical-Mechanical Properties of Cement Composites

Abstract

Cement-based penetrating waterproof compounds compact the concrete structure due to penetration into the microcracks, pores and capillaries of slightly soluble crystalline hydrates. The coatings made from them do have some drawbacks such as low tensile strength and shrinkage, which may lead to cracks and reduce impermeability. Dispersed fiber reinforcement allows improving these parameters. The surface electric properties of glass fibers and polyester fiber were studied; their ability to be a substrate for the growth of crystalline hydrates was studied; X-ray phase and thermal analysis of cement hydration products with a complex chemical additive providing penetrating action were carried out; electron microscopic studies of the contact zone between fibers and crystalline hydrates were carried out; experimental studies of the dependence of the composition physical and mechanical and hydrophysical properties on the additive and fiber content were carried out. It was found that a dense liner of crystalline hydrates and hydrosilicate gel is formed around the glass fiber and polyester fiber with a silicone dressing size. Between the crystalline hydrates and the fiber surface, strong electro-heterogeneous contacts are formed, which provide the high physical and mechanical properties of the composite. The amount of the complex chemical additive and polyester fiber that provides the maximum strength and minimum water absorption of the composition is determined experimentally.