Interfacial Phenomena of New Natural (Organic) Fibres in Polymer Matrix for Construction Engineering

Abstract

Roofing is an expensive yet critical structural element in construction engineering. Conventional roofing elements i.e. steel-reinforced in cement matrix is becoming expensive and also have many associated problems of cracking and leakages. The asbestos fibres which are used in asbestos cement composites are carcinogenic and their use lead to health hazards. The search for low cost and alternate roofing material has, therefore, assumed a special significance in view of the expensive and carcinogenic nature of asbestos fibre.

The present paper reviews the use of new reinforcing plant based fibres such as Sisal and aluminium industrial waste i.e. Red Mud as fillers in polymer matrix and problems associated with their use to develop new types of roof coverings and their application in construction, engineering. Physical and mechanical properties including structural characterisation, interfacial phenomena, thermal properties and chemical stability of Sisal fibres in polymer matrix to produce Red Mud-fibre-polymer roofing sheets as an alternate to carcinogenic asbestos cement products and expensive reinforced concrete roof slabs have been investigated and described in this paper.