Long-term performance of recycled PET fibre-reinforced cement composites

This study investigated the long-term durability performance of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibre-reinforced cement composites. Specifically, chloride permeability, repeated freeze-thaw, and various chemical environment tests were conducted. Five types of chemical environments were considered, alkaline, salt, CaCl(2), sulfuric acid, and sodium sulfate. Recycled PET fibre-reinforced cement composite was not different from plain concrete in terms of chloride permeability. The repeated freeze-thaw test results showed excellent endurance characteristics of recycled PET fibre-reinforced cement composite. Recycled PET fibre-reinforced cement composites showed reduced compressive strength in alkaline and sulfuric acid environments. However, recycled PET fibres and recycled PET fibre-reinforced cement composites were largely unaffected by salt, CaCl(2), and sodium sulfate environments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.