Autogenous healing capability of natural curauá textile reinforced concrete

The present paper investigates the autogenous self-healing capability of cementitious composites systems reinforced with natural uni-directional curauá fabrics on the recovery of the flexural strength and ductility. The natural fibers are used as promoters and facilitators of self-healing. They are able to create a porous network due to their microstructure. This network will convey moisture throughout the cementitious matrix. The moisture available in the matrix can activate delayed hydration reactions and carbonation, leading to autogenous healing of cracks. The composites were subjected to a cyclic four point bending test. The test consisted of pre cracking at two different levels of displacement, resting for one month, testing again up to those levels and, after three series, testing up to failure. The composite presented high autogenous healing capability as after each loading cycle there was a regain in the strength, even without external water.