Nano-CaCO₃ enhances PVA fiber-matrix interfacial properties: an experimental and molecular dynamics study

ABSTRACT

The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete largely depend on its interfacial properties. Fibers with a low aspect ratio are often pulled out at the fracture surface, and the potential of fiber-reinforced concrete is far from being fully realized. This is because the fiber-matrix interface bond strength is weak, resulting in low fiber reinforcement efficiency， which is the main challenge for organic fiber reinforced concrete. To further optimize the reinforcing and toughening effect of fibers on concrete, in this study, nano-CaCO₃ was used to treat PVA fibers by a sol-gel method, aiming to enhance the interfacial bonding properties of fiber-reinforced concrete. The mechanical properties test results show that the compressive strength and flexural strength of the modified PVA fiber reinforced concrete are increased by 8.1% and 35.95%, respectively. Finally, Molecular dynamics simulation results reveal the interaction mechanism between CaCO₃ and the cement matrix-fiber interface. The Ca_C-S-H-O_CaCO3 forms a high-strength interfacial connection and is stronger than the H bond formed at the C-S-H/PVA interface. Therefore, the C-S-H/CaCO₃ interface interaction energy far exceeds that between C-S-H/PVA. Comprehensive analysis shows that nano-CaCO₃ enhances the interfacial bonding performance of fiber-matrix, which has certain theoretical reference significance for developing high-performance fiber reinforced concrete.

KEYWORDS:

• Nano-CaCO₃
• modified PVA fiber
• molecular dynamics
• mechanical properties
• interfacial properties
• fiber reinforced concrete

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the Innovative Funds Plan of Henan University of Technology (No. 2020ZKCJ21), Zhengzhou Collaborative Innovation Project (No. 21ZZXTCX09), the Cultivation Plan for Youth Backbone Teachers of Institution of Higher Vocational School by Henan Province (No. 2019GZGG070).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Innovative Funds Plan of Henan University of Technology (No. 2020ZKCJ21), Zhengzhou Collaborative Innovation Project (No. 21ZZXTCX09), the Cultivation Plan for Youth Backbone Teachers of Institution of Higher Vocational School by Henan Province (No. 2019GZGG070).