Macro and nano dimensional plant fiber reinforcements for Cementitious Composites

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of plant fibers in the civil construction industry is growing rapidly due to their low cost, light weight and good specific mechanical properties, lower health hazard, and environmental benefits. Nanodimensional fibers derived from plants such as nanocellulose are also getting considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. This chapter discusses these different types of plant fibers and their derivatives which have huge application potential in the civil construction sector. The influence of plant fibers on microstructure as well as on physical–mechanical properties of cementitious composites are discussed in detail. The challenges regarding plant fiber processing and dispersion, the fiber/matrix interface, and the durability of plant fiber-cement composites are also addressed. The application of nanocellulose in polymer composites has been included in this chapter just to provide the readers sufficient background information and techniques to inspire engineered cement-based composites. Finally, the chapter concludes with the current application of plant fibers in civil construction and the future trends