Strength and fracture toughness of earth-based natural fiber-reinforced composites

Kabiru Mustapha, Ebenezer Annan, Salifu T. Azeko, Martiale G. Zebaze Kana, Winston O. Soboyejo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength, fracture toughness, and resistance-curve behavior of natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composite materials. The composites, which consist of mixtures of laterite, clay, and straw, are stabilized with controlled levels of Ordinary Portland cement. The compositional dependence of compressive, flexural/bend strength, and fracture toughness are explored for different proportions of the constituent materials using composites and crack-tip shielding models. The underlying crack-microstructure interactions associated with resistance-curve behavior were also studied using in situ/ex situ optical microscopy. This revealed evidence of crack bridging by the straw fibers. The measured resistance-curve behavior is also shown to be consistent with predictions from small- and large-scale bridging models. The implications of the results are then discussed for potential applications in the design of robust earth-based building materials for sustainable eco-friendly homes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1145-1160
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Composite Materials
Volume50
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Composites
  • crack bridging
  • crack-tip shielding
  • fracture toughness
  • resistance-curve behavior
  • strength

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