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Effect of colloidal silica on the mechanical properties of fiber–cement reinforced with cellulosic fibers

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Abstract

The effect of colloidal silica on the hydration reaction of the Portland cement system and its effect on the resulting mechanical properties are not completely understood. Silica nanoparticles can affect the behavior and performance of fiber–cement, such as the calcium–silicate–hydrate gel of the matrix and the fiber–matrix interface bonding. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of various contents of colloidal silica (0, 1.5, 3, 5, and 10 % w/w) on the microstructure and mechanical performance of cement composites reinforced with cellulosic pulp. Fiber–cement composites with unbleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp as the micro-fiber reinforcement were produced by the slurry dewatering technique followed by pressing. The average values of the modulus of rupture of the fiber–cement decreased with increasing colloidal silica content. However, the pullout of the fibers increased significantly in the fiber–cement composites with additions between 3 and 10 % w/w of colloidal silica suspension, as indicated in the scanning electron microscopy images and by the improvement in the energy of fracture values.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Brazilian financial support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Grants Nos: 2008/04769-9, 2009/10614-0, 2009/17293-5; 2010/16524-0), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Grants Nos: 472133/2009-8, 305792/2009-1 and 303061/2009-0), and the Minas Gerais Research Foundation (FAPEMIG). We would also like to extend special thanks to Dr. Gustavo Rocha de Paula, Dr. Rui Barbosa de Souza and the Brazilian companies Akzonobel Brasil S.A., Fibria Celulose S.A. and Infibra Ltda.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials and Technology, State University of São Paulo, Av. Ariberto Pereira da Cunha, 333, Guaratinguetá, SP, 12516-410, Brazil

    Sergio Francisco Santos

  2. Department of Materials Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil

    José de Anchieta Rodrigues

  3. Department of Forest Science, Federal University of Lavras, P. O. Box 3037, Lavras, MG, 37200-000, Brazil

    Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli

  4. Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil

    Alessandra Etuko Feuzicana de Souza Almeida & Holmer Savastano Jr.

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  1. Sergio Francisco Santos
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Correspondence to Sergio Francisco Santos.

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Santos, S.F., Rodrigues, J.A., Tonoli, G.H.D. et al. Effect of colloidal silica on the mechanical properties of fiber–cement reinforced with cellulosic fibers. J Mater Sci 49, 7497–7506 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8455-1

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