Effect of composition and length of PP and polyester fibres on mechanical properties of cement based composites

The influence of the different amounts and lengths of synthetic fibres on mechanical properties of asbestos free fibre cement was evaluated. Polypropylene (PP) and polyester fibres were tested as reinforcement in combination with cotton and viscose fibres as cellulosic fibres. The samples containing PP fibre have been shown better mechanical performance in comparison with samples with polyester fibre. 28-days flexural strength of samples has been improved by increasing content of synthetic fibres to an optimum level and then decreases with higher amount of fibres in matrix of composites. 28-days flexural strength of samples containing fibres with lengths equal to 3 and 8 mm is higher than samples with 5 mm long fibres.

► This research is an experimental study on mechanical properties of fibrous cementitious composites.
► Type, length and composition of synthetic fibres (PP and polyester) inside the composite have been parameters.
► Flexural strength of prepared samples has been compared by column graphs and SEM images.
► Composites containing PP fibre have higher amounts of 28 days flexural strength.
► For each series of samples, there is an optimum amount of synthetic fibre which result higher amounts of flexural strength.