Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and physical performance of corn straw fibers in cement mortar

Bo Peng; Zulhazmee Bin Bakri

doi:10.59400/be2598

Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and physical performance of corn straw fibers in cement mortar

Bo Peng Faculty of Engineering and Technology Infrastructure, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 43000, Malaysia; College of Agriculture and Hydraulic Engineering, Suihua University, Suihua 152000, China
Zulhazmee Bin Bakri Faculty of Engineering and Technology Infrastructure, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 43000, Malaysia

Article ID: 2598

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/be2598

Keywords: corn straw; fiber treatment; alkali treatment; mechanical properties; cement composites

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of water, acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatments on the physical and mechanical properties of corn straw fibers in cement mortar. The use of natural fibers in cement composites offers a promising approach to reducing reliance on synthetic materials and utilizing agricultural byproducts. Chemical treatments like NaOH and CH₃COOH improve fiber-matrix bonding, which is critical for enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites. NaOH treatment resulted in the most significant improvements, with surface roughness increasing by 104.8% and compressive strength reaching 52.8 MPa at 1.5% fiber content after 28 days. CH₃COOH treatment boosted early-stage flexural strength, achieving 6.75 MPa at 7 days, but its long-term effect was limited. Water treatment showed minimal impact on fiber performance. These results indicate the potential for NaOH-treated fibers to enhance the strength and durability of cement-based materials.

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Published

2025-04-07

How to Cite

Peng , B., & Bakri, Z. B. (2025). Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and physical performance of corn straw fibers in cement mortar. Building Engineering, 3(2), 2598. https://doi.org/10.59400/be2598

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