Influence of sucrose addition on the performance of a lignocellulosic composite with a cementious matrix

Usually lightweight concretes are produced by using mineral light aggregates. In this work, they resulted from the combination of Portland cement with water and flax shaves as light vegetable aggregates. The aim of this work is to study the mechanical properties of new concretes including sucrose in its formulation. Although sucrose is known as an undesirable molecule for cement hydration, its addition in a large quantity in the matrix increases the mechanical properties of concrete, decreases setting time and improves concrete behavior in water. In other respects, a cement–sucrose coating of flax shaves improves the properties of concrete prepared thereby.