Mechanical characterization of textile reinforced inorganic-matrix composites

This paper presents the results of the mechanical characterization of composite materials comprising high strength textiles embedded in inorganic matrices. These materials are commonly termed Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM) or, when comprising cementitious matrices, Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM - despite the fact that this term is often extended to composites with cement-free matrices). Different types of fibers were employed, namely carbon, glass, and basalt, as well as steel cords, which were embedded in lime- or cement-based matrices. Results of tensile tests on single fiber yarns and composite prismatic specimens with a rectangular cross-section are shown and discussed. The effect of fiber coating and stitch-bonded joints between warp and weft yarns on the tensile behavior observed is studied. The results obtained help to shed light on the different parameters that affect tensile testing of inorganic-matrix composites contributing to the appropriate mechanical characterization of these materials.