Novel multi-scale cimentitious composites developed using Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) and sisal fibers

Abstract

Nowadays, due to the need of sustainable solutions for reinforcements it has become highly necessary to use renewable resources especially in the construction industries [1]. New materials have been investigated and new solutions are proposed with the aim of fulfilling the new demands of the construction industries [2]. Additionally, high performance structural materials are in high demand for building bridges, roads with sensing properties, specific constructions for example in defence architectures etc. The word “high performance” is used when the resulting cement composites have better performance in terms of strength, durability, stiffness, toughness, thermal resistance etc. than the conventional counterpart. Plain concrete has a low tensile strength, limited ductility, and low resistance towards cracking. Internal micro cracks are inherently present mainly due to drying shrinkage and its poor tensile strength is due to the propagations of these micro-cracks[3].