Abstract:
In recent years, natural fibre cementitious composites (NFCC) have gained popularity worldwide because of their
potential application as low-cost construction materials. Despite the wide range of applications for NFCC, their
long-term performance, i.e., durability under various exposure conditions, remains an open question. Natural
fibres in a cementitious matrix may degrade over time as a result of the alkalinity of the cement matrix. In this
study, Ensete ventricosum (Ev) fibre was treated with alkaline (NaOH) and hot-water to increase its resistance to
alkaline attack. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
physical, and mechanical tests were performed on fibre bundles to evaluate the effect of surface treatment on
fibre performance. After undergoing 0 and 25 wet-dry cycles, the composites reinforced with raw and treated Ev
fibres were tested in a four-point bending configuration. In order to investigate cracking and failure behaviour,
Digital Image Correlation and Acoustic Emission techniques were used. Using SEM, the microstructure of the Ev
fibres was analysed. Raw Ev fibre reinforced cement composites completely lost their strength and ductility after
25 wet/dry cycles, whereas hot-water and alkali treated Ev fibre composites showed minimal degradation,
demonstrating that hot-water and alkali treatment can reduce the degradation of natural fibres in cement-based
composites. These findings are promising for the development of an Ev fibre reinforced cement-based green
composite.
