Study of the Compression Resistance of a Geopolymer Based Composite with Added Jute Fiber

Abstract

The preservation of the environment is a very important topic that has been gaining adherents after the industrial revolution. Global warming, burning, melting glaciers, climate change, pollution and major natural disasters in general are some examples of impacts that have raised the concern of large groups of people about the world we live in. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the actions and products used that contribute to this degradation and look for alternatives to reduce the risks to the planet, aiming to improve harmony with nature in the present and in the future. In construction, concrete is one of the most widely used substances in the world and requires large amounts of Portland cement, which produces large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Thus, with this very significant detriment to the environment, comes the importance of innovative and alternative ways of substituting this material [1]. Geopolymers appear as an alternative option that not only offers less risk to the environment, but also has good mechanical properties that make them a building material of great need for future study and projection [2]. The production of the geopolymers is through a reaction composed of a solid phase, called precursor, and a liquid phase, known as activator [3]. The precursor is characterized by reactive aluminosilicate materials, frequently used metakaolin and fly ash. The activator is composed of an alkaline solution, usually sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). In general, regardless of the aluminosilicate material used, the macroscopic characteristics of the product will be similar [4]. Geopolymeric cement is a mixture based on polysiloxosialate, which is an aluminosilicate (Al-Si-O), sodium, potassium and calcium (Na, K, Ca-PSS) compound and has high mechanical strength, durability and surface hardness [3]. Based on the composition and aggregates used, it is able to acquire other properties such as higher initial resistance [2], chemical resistance and refractoriness [4]. The use of fibrous reinforcement in geopolymer composites aims to obtain better properties for composites [5]. Due to their low cost and easy production, natural fibers began to be more researched, aiming to provide better properties for the material [6].