Synthesis of geopolymer composites utilizing PVA-modified basalt fibers and foundry waste: Fundamental properties, cracking resistance and fracture toughness

IF 10.8 1区工程技术 Q1 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Cement & concrete composites Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106046

Yuwei Zhang, Chengliang Zhou, Yafeng Gong, Fei Wu, Yuheng Liu, Jiaxiang Song, Fuyu Wang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Coal gangue/slag-based geopolymer composites (CSGC) have garnered significant attention in sustainable construction due to their low-carbon footprint, but their high brittleness remains a critical limitation. This study addresses this challenge by modifying basalt fiber (BF) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to enhance CSGC. A novel porosity detection program, with an average accuracy exceeding 98 % for pores larger than 10 pixels (0.4 mm), was developed to analyze pore evolution. Combined with a multi-scale testing approach, the study evaluates shrinkage, fracture toughness, compressive strength, and flexural strength of fiber-reinforced CSGC. Results revealed that PVA coating enhanced fiber-CSGC matrix bonding via chemical crosslinking, such as O-Al-O bonds, and mechanical interlocking, achieving 15.9 % and 19.1 % improvements in the 28-d flexural and compressive strength of modified basalt fibers (MBF)-reinforced CSGC, respectively. Acoustic emission (AE) analysis indicated that fibers shifted the dominant cracking mode from shear to a mixed tensile-shear mode (20.99 % tensile cracks), thereby enhancing CSGC toughness. Moreover, double-K fracture model analysis, based on digital image correlation (DIC) test results, confirmed that MBF outperforms unmodified fibers in toughening effects, with increases of 50.0 % and 32.4 % in initiation and unstable fracture toughness, respectively. This study presents an effective strategy for reducing brittleness in geopolymers through interface-engineered fiber reinforcement, which is expected to promote the development of high-performance, sustainable construction materials.

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来源期刊

Cement & concrete composites 工程技术-材料科学：复合

CiteScore

18.70

自引率

11.40%

发文量

459

审稿时长

65 days

期刊介绍： Cement & concrete composites focuses on advancements in cement-concrete composite technology and the production, use, and performance of cement-based construction materials. It covers a wide range of materials, including fiber-reinforced composites, polymer composites, ferrocement, and those incorporating special aggregates or waste materials. Major themes include microstructure, material properties, testing, durability, mechanics, modeling, design, fabrication, and practical applications. The journal welcomes papers on structural behavior, field studies, repair and maintenance, serviceability, and sustainability. It aims to enhance understanding, provide a platform for unconventional materials, promote low-cost energy-saving materials, and bridge the gap between materials science, engineering, and construction. Special issues on emerging topics are also published to encourage collaboration between materials scientists, engineers, designers, and fabricators.