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Evaluation of Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Microfiber-Reinforced Nanocomposites Comprising Nano-Alumina

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Abstract

The production of Portland cement results in a large quantity of carbon dioxide gas that is dangerous for the sustainability of the environment. Thus, the researchers need to develop a sustainable replacement for Portland cement to be implemented in the construction industry. The present work investigates the mechanical, microstructural, and mineralogical properties of geopolymer (GPL) by adding microcarbon fiber (CF) and nano-alumina (NAL). The CF content was fixed to 0.5% by weight of the mix while the NAL was varied from 0 to 4% by weight of the binder to examine its effect on the behavior of GPL. The test results established the use of 3% NAL along with the combination of 0.5% CF as the optimal combination for enhancing the compressive strength of GPL by 22%, flexural strength by 46%, and impact strength by 64%. The microstructural investigation of fabricated samples using scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the combined use of NAL and CF works as the most effective tool for strengthening the internal matrix of GPL with improved mechanical and microstructural performance. An increase in the intensity of hump situated between 15° and 40° in the XRD analysis is noticed, it might be because expanding the GPL matrix could lead to the dissolution of NAL nanoparticles, leading to the development of calcium silicate hydrate (\(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{H}\)) next to the primary binder, sodium aluminosilicate.

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through a large groups research program under grant number R.G.P. 2/130/44.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Taxila, 47050, Pakistan

    Muhammad Arshad, Ali Raza & Qaiser uz Zaman Khan

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, PO Box 394, Abha, 61411, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Nabil Ben Kahla & Ahmed Babeker Elhag

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  1. Muhammad Arshad
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Arshad, M., Raza, A., Khan, Q.u.Z. et al. Evaluation of Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Microfiber-Reinforced Nanocomposites Comprising Nano-Alumina. Arab J Sci Eng 49, 5079–5094 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08368-6

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