Synthesis and mechanical properties of cotton fabric reinforced geopolymer composites

Geopolymer composites reinforced with different layers of woven cotton fabric are fabricated using lay-up technique. Mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength and fracture toughness of geopolymer composites reinforced with 3.6, 4.5, 6.2 and 8.3 wt% cotton fibres are studied. The fracture surfaces of the composites are also examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results show that all the mechanical properties of the composites are improved by increasing the cotton fibre contents. It is found that the mechanical properties of cotton fabric reinforced geopolymer composites are superior to pure geopolymer matrix.