Evolution of the interfacial transition zone and the degradation mechanism of zirconia treated flax fabric reinforced cementitious composites

The interest in cellulosic fabric reinforced cementitious composites increases due to their ease of manufacturing and greater mechanical performance (i.e. higher tensile and flexural strength) in comparison with fiber reinforced cementitious composites. This research study compares the durability of different condition of flax fabrics (untreated, pre-treated and ZrO2-treated) in a cementitious matrix and the evolution of the fiber-cement matrix interface throughout 90 days of aging. Tensile tests, thermogravimetric and microstructural analyses were conducted on the specimens of each condition. The ZrO2-treated specimens exhibited improved mechanical performance due to the improved durability of the ZrO2-treated fibers and the stronger adhesion of the fabrics to cement.