Review
Polymer Science
Flavia Regina Bianchi Martinelli, Francisco Roger Carneiro Ribeiro, Markssuel Teixeira Marvila, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Fabio da Costa Garcia Garcia Filho, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo
Summary: The use of plant fibers in cementitious composites, particularly coconut fibers, has gained attention due to their advantages in reducing density, fragmentation, and crack propagation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of coconut fibers and coconut fiber textile mesh in cement-based materials, discussing production, characteristics, reinforcement techniques, and treatments for improved performance. Future prospects in this field are also highlighted, aiming to demonstrate the potential of coconut fiber as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers in cementitious composites.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Leo Maia do Amaral, Conrado de Souza Rodrigues, Flavia Spitale Jacques Poggiali
Summary: This paper provides a systematic review on the application of wetting and drying cycles for hornification of vegetable fibers in cement composites. The effects of this treatment on the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of fibers and fiber-cement composites were discussed. The results showed that hornification through ten cycles successfully reduced fiber absorption capacity and improved dimensional stability.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
M. Iorio, F. Marra, M. L. Santarelli, J. Gonzalez-Benito
Summary: Through studying the effects of different surface treatments of basalt fibers on cement matrix, it was found that the mechanical properties of basalt fibers dispersed in cement matrix were significantly improved when the fibers were treated with a complex mixture of silanes.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
S. Alcivar-Bastidas, Daniel M. M. Petroche, M. J. Martinez-Echevarria
Summary: This study investigated the effects of three different treatments on abaca fibers, including hornification, 3% NaOH concentration solution, and a coating of silica fume with natural latex into cementitious composites. The fibers were characterized before and after the treatments using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, TGA, and tensile tests to analyze structural and chemical changes. The setting time and flexural strength of the cementitious composites (at 7, 14, and 28 days) were analyzed to determine the optimal treatment, dosage, and length. It was found that the hornification treatment with a length of 30 mm and a dosage of 0.2% showed a flexural strength of 8.2 MPa.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
T. E. S. Lima, L. U. D. Tambara Junior, L. F. C. Nascimento, L. C. C. Demosthenes, S. N. Monteiro, A. R. G. Azevedo
Summary: This study evaluated the compatibility effect of Malva fibers on fiber-reinforced cement composites. The results showed that treated fibers had a denser microstructure and reduced formation of portlandite and calcite compared to untreated fibers. Treated fibers also exhibited higher mechanical strength and lower water absorption. Incorporating 2% of treated Malva fibers in cement-based mortars showed improved efficiency for cladding walls in building materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Magdalena Dobiszewska, Orlando Bagcal, Ahmet Beycioglu, Dimitrios Goulias, Fuat Koksal, Blazej Plominski, Husamettin Urunveren
Summary: The production of concrete has a significant negative impact on the environment due to the consumption of raw materials, energy, and fossil fuels. Research is being conducted worldwide on the use of waste by-products, such as rock dust, as a substitute for cement clinker in concrete production. However, conflicting findings exist regarding the effect of rock dust on the properties and durability of cement composites. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is needed to evaluate the value of using rock dust as a cement replacement.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiang Chen, Haiming Chen, Qian Chen, Abubakar. S. Lawi, Jie Chen
Summary: This study investigated the possibility of recycling waste dolomite powder (DP) to improve the mechanical properties and durability of glass-fiber-reinforced mortar (GFRM). The results showed that adding DP improved fluidity, strength, and durability of GFRM, and protected glass fibers against corrosion.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiang Chen, Haiming Chen, Qian Chen, Abubakar. S. Lawi, Jie Chen
Summary: By adding waste dolomite powder (DP) and substituting cement, the mechanical properties and durability of glass-fiber-reinforced mortar (GFRM) can be improved, reducing the susceptibility of glass fibers to corrosion in alkaline environments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Obinna Onuaguluchi, Nemkumar Banthia
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose (NFC) on the sulfate resistance of cement composites. The results showed that the cement composites prepared with 0.1% NFC exhibited superior sulfate attack resistance and helped mitigate crack propagation in cement pastes. Microstructural analysis confirmed the modification effect of NFC on the cement matrices.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Jamal A. Abdalla, Rami A. Hawileh, A. Bahurudeen, G. Jyothsna, A. Sofi, Vigneshwaran Shanmugam, B. S. Thomas
Summary: The construction industry is increasingly turning to environmentally friendly products due to the negative impact of non-renewable raw materials on the environment. Solid waste produced by these materials releases harmful gases, posing a threat to the environment. The use of natural fibers as a substitute for manufactured fibers has gained popularity in recent years, with this study discussing the effects of various natural fibers on concrete and highlighting their potential applications in building materials. Furthermore, this review provides insights into the composition, preparation, and processing of natural fibers, identifies future research avenues, and discusses possible limitations and negative impacts.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mariana O. G. P. Braganca, Nicole P. Hasparyk, Jeferson L. Bronholo, Anelize Seniski Silva, Kleber F. Portella, Selmo C. Kuperman
Summary: This study proposes a non-destructive methodology to monitor the formation of products from expansive and deleterious reactions in concrete structures. The combination of various testing methods can effectively evaluate the signs of issues before they visually appear.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Mouad Chakkour, Mohamed Ould Moussa, Ismail Khay, Mohamed Balli, Tarak Ben Zineb
Summary: To meet the demand for environmentally friendly materials, research has been conducted on lightweight, biodegradable, and renewable composites. This article provides an overview of the factors influencing the properties of natural fiber composites and reviews recent works on nanobiocomposites. Future directions include improving fire resistance and moisture absorption for wider application.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ali Dalalbashi, Bahman Ghiassi, Daniel Oliveira
Summary: Textile reinforced mortars (TRMs) have become a sustainable solution for strengthening existing masonry and concrete structures, with most studies focusing on mechanical properties, while durability and long-term performance remain unclear. Experimental study finds that freeze-thaw conditions do not affect mortar strength but can deteriorate fiber-to-mortar bond behavior depending on fiber type, embedded length, and configuration.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Mohammad I. Al Biajawi, Rahimah Embong, Khairunisa Muthusamy, Norasyikin Ismail, Ifeyinwa I. Obianyo
Summary: The engineering and construction sector has effectively utilized sustainable and recycled materials, such as coal bottom ash, as alternatives in concrete production, leading to economic and environmental benefits.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Qiang Li, Lawan Ibrahim, Weiming Zhou, Mingxin Zhang, Zhanhui Yuan
Summary: The use of natural fibers in cement-based building materials is a growing field in the construction industry due to their green, sustainable, and low-cost renewable properties. However, challenges such as high-water absorption, limited tensile strength, and open surface morphology have hindered their widespread utilization. Successful research has been conducted to address these challenges and improve fiber-matrix adhesion and durability.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Payam Sadrolodabaee, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy, Albert de la Fuente
Summary: The construction industry depletes large amounts of nonrenewable resources and generates millions of tons of mineral waste and carbon dioxide annually. Research and promotion of the use of recycled materials are essential for a more sustainable consumption pattern. Investigating textile waste as reinforcement for cement-based matrices shows promise in enhancing ductility and cracking control.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Aixue Dong, Kidanu Masho Teklu, Weiming Wang, Xuerong Fan, Qiang Wang, Monica Ardanuy, Zhen Dong
Summary: Hydrophobization of lignocellulosic jute fibers was achieved by grafting octadecylamine (OA) onto their surface using laccase/TEMPO mediation, improving the interfacial compatibility with nonpolar polylactic acid (PLA) resins in fiber-reinforced composites. The modified fibers exhibited enhanced surface hydrophobicity and reduced polarity, leading to stronger interfacial adhesion and improved mechanical properties in the resulting composites. Furthermore, the hydrophobized jute/PLA composites showed better mechanical stability in water immersion tests, indicating the efficacy of this enzymatic modification method for producing high-performance natural fiber-reinforced composites.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Heura Ventura, Ferran Pares, Raul Fernandez-Garcia, Ignacio Gil, Monica Ardanuy
Summary: The study found that woven fabrics exhibited good washing fastness, even in fabrics with elastic fibers or low-crimp structures. The antennas maintained good performance after 30 washing cycles. Substrates with higher stability showed higher wear resistance during abrasion cycles.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Hanen Zribi, Amine Hadj Taieb, Ignacio Gil, Raul Fernandez-Garcia, Monica Ardanuy
Summary: In this paper, woven wearable metamaterials using frequency selective surface (FSS) textile absorbers are developed. The best combination of fabric composition (65% polyester and 35% cotton) and patch shape (cross-shaped) is found to achieve the optimal performance. The developed FSS can be used in wearable textiles to protect the human body from microwave radiation emissions.
JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Payam Sadrolodabaee, S. M. Amin Hosseini, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy, Laia Haurie, Ana M. Lacasta, Albert de la Fuente
Summary: Fiber cement boards have gained popularity as facade cladding materials in the construction sector, especially those incorporating natural and/or recycled synthetic fibers. The sustainability performance of facades is often overlooked in design and project phases, potentially leading to decisions based solely on economic and environmental indicators that may not meet the expected sustainability performance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Textiles
Judit Gonzalez, Monica Ardanuy, Marta Gonzalez, Rosa Rodriguez, Petar Jovancic
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize polyurethane-based shape memory polymer filament yarns for multi-sectorial applications. Different polymer compositions and additives were investigated. The results showed that the addition of carbon black improved the strain of the filament in the permanent shape, while the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes increased the glass transition temperature and the fixity ratio of the filament.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Heura Ventura, Maria Dolores Alvarez, Laura Gonzalez-Lopez, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy
Summary: This work presents the development and characterization of new cement-based composite panels reinforced with fibers recovered from waste, aiming for their application on ventilated facades. The environmental impact of these panels was evaluated and compared with similar materials used for ventilated facades. It was found that the new composite material has similar environmental performance to fiber cement facing tiles and outperforms traditional ceramic tiles and natural stone plates.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Quim Tarres, Monica Ardanuy
Summary: This paper investigates the flexural strength and modulus of a bio-polyethylene reinforced with thermos-mechanical fibers from corn stover, and evaluates the contribution of the reinforcements to the properties of the composite using modified rules of mixtures. The study shows that the coupling agent content has a significant impact on the strength of the composites. The results suggest the potential of fully bio-based composites as substitutes for oil-based polymers and partially bio-based materials.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Payam Sadrolodabaee, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy, Albert de la Fuente
Summary: This study presents an extensive experimental program on a cement-based composite reinforced with recycled textile waste nonwoven fabric and silica fume. The results showed that the composite modified by 30% SF offered the greatest durability, with increased flexural and tensile resistances of up to 45% and 55% respectively, in wet-dry cycles.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ali Rakhsh Mahpour, Payam Sadrolodabaee, Monica Ardanuy, Laia Haurie, Ana M. Lacasta, Joan R. Rosell, Josep Claramunt
Summary: This study focuses on the development of environmentally-friendly construction materials using natural-based fibers as reinforcement in an inorganic-based matrix. Specifically, nonwoven flax fabric reinforced lime composites are created and their serviceability parameters are experimentally determined. Tests are conducted on lime composites prepared under different curing regimens to assess the effect of forced carbonation, and a multi-objective approach is used to evaluate the social sustainability of the developed material. The results show that the accelerated cured sample exhibits higher thermal conductivity and lower sound absorption coefficients, while the naturally cured sample demonstrates better flexural performance. According to the MIVES-based assessment, both lime composite panels show significantly higher social sustainability index compared to the control lime panel without reinforcement.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maria Teresa Mas, Antoni Maria Claret Verdu, Gabriel Pardo, Jorge Pueyo, Josep Claramunt, Alicia Cirujeda
Summary: Hydromulch, primarily used for erosion control, is being studied as a weed control method. Rice husk and used mushroom substrate hydromulches showed better inhibition on weed growth. The hydromulches may weaken after artificial aging, which could affect weed control effectiveness. Field trials are needed to further verify the duration of weed control.
JOURNAL OF PLANT DISEASES AND PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Ferran Pares, Heura Ventura, F. Xavier Capdevila, Monica Ardanuy
Summary: This study analyzed the influence of various weaving variables on the thermal performance of multilayer interlocked woven fabrics and identified factors that improve protective performance. An optimal combination of factors for thermal response was determined, providing valuable insights for the design of improved heat protective clothing.
AUTEX RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2022)
