Synthesis of Durian (Durio Zibethinus) Rinds Fiber-Silica Composite as Concrete Additive

Natural fiber as a fiber reinforcement enhances the high-performance cement composites' strength, ductility, and durability requirements for a concrete application. This study aims to utilize an indigenous natural fiber-silica composite as an additive to cement. Pre-treated durian fibers extracted from durian rinds (100 mesh) were mixed with sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3), and the synthesized durian rind fiber-silica composite (DRFC) was utilized as a cement mass replacement (5% w/w) on concrete to test its effect to mechanical properties. SEM-EDX micrographs show that silica has a rough sheet-like morphology similar to DRFC. However, DRFC also contains a rough fibrous structure indicating the uniformly distributed durian rinds fiber (DRF) present in the composite matrix. Additionally, the presence of silica significantly improves the thermal stability of DRF. Results demonstrated that both concrete with DRF and DRFC additives have superior mechanical properties, surpassing the controlled specimens. Hence, the potential application of DRF to concrete demonstrates a viable upcycling route for durian rinds waste.