Microconcrete reinforced with polypropylene and jute fiber residues

• Grant number: 12/07930-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Cristina Branciforti
• Grantee: Felipe Caio Daneze
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Among lots of residues generated by industry is the discard of composite materials based on polypropylene (PP) filled and reinforced with natural fibers such as jute, used for making carpets for residential use, linings for automobiles, among other applications. The city of São Carlos has this kind of industries whose waste can be recycled and used as reinforcement in precast concrete for use in building construction. This research project proposes to evaluate the performance of Portland cement microconcrete reinforced with jute fiber and PP (PP / Jute) composites, with the main purpose of its use in building construction. For that purpose, firstly the characterization of physical properties of the composite PP / Jute will be done. Subsequently, the waste material will be incorporated in different geometries and compositions, as reinforcing material in the cementitious matrix. The mechanical and physical characteristics of the resulting materials will be evaluated, in order to determine the proportion and suitable way for incorporation of the composite PP / Jute in the mixture composition. Finally the properties will be evaluated directly related to the durability of microconcrete, such as porosity, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength by diametral compression, adherence and anchorage ability, and the composite PP/Jute ability to contain the cracks in the microconcrete matrix. The research takes into consideration that the chosen waste material exists in sufficient quantity for use in building construction and is considerable to environmental preservation. (AU)