Study of Wet-Drying Cycles on Sisal, Jute and White Curaua Fibers on the Resistance Parameters of Cement-Based Composites

This study presents the results of the mechanical characterization of cement composites reinforced with short fibers of jute, sisal and curauá. Tests of direct tension in flexion and traction, after wetting and drying cycle (5 cycles) to determine the first crack were performed to determine the first crack, the tension and post-peak toughness and strengh of the composites. To ensure the the composite durability, the ordinary Portland cement matrix was modified by adding metakaolin, to consume the calcium hydroxide generated during Portland cement hydration. The composites were produced using short fibers of jute, sisal and curauá (50 mm) at levels of 2%, 4% and 6% of sisal and white curauá, and 3%, 6% and 9% to jute. The fibers of jute and white curauá employed in this study came from the Brazilian Amazon, while the sisal came from the Brazilian Northeast.This fibers have great economic importance in the producing region. Composites with high toughness, strength and multiple cracking processes under bending load were obtained when volume fractions equal to 3% of jute were used as reinforcement and when 6% of sisal and 4% of white curauá were used as reinforcement.