Effect of Sheep Wool Fibers on Thermal Insulation and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Composites

ABSTRACT

The use of sheep wool as a filler of cement in order to produce mortar or plaster involves several advantages for environment and energy. Moreover, it is considered as a waste and, therefore, its use is characterized by low cost. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of wool fibers on thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of cement. The samples were prepared using wool fibers, obtained from a breed of Sicilian sheep, with three different lengths (i.e., 1, 6, and 20 mm). Furthermore, in order to evaluate the influence of fiber content, the samples were prepared by varying the fiber weight fraction. The thermal conductivity of the samples was analyzed by using a heat flow meter, whereas the mechanical behavior was studied through compressive tests. In order to validate the thermal measurements, on the experimental data, two theoretical models were applied. The experimental results showed that wool fibers can be used within cementitious matrices to obtain mortars or plasters with enhanced thermal insulation properties. Nevertheless, noticeable decrements in the compressive strength are also found. Therefore, it is needed to find a compromise between these two aspects.

摘要

利用绵羊毛作为水泥填料生产砂浆或灰泥，对环境和能源有许多好处.此外，它被认为是一种浪费，因此，它的使用具有低成本的特点. 研究了羊毛纤维对水泥导热性能和力学性能的影响.使用从一个西西里绵羊品种获得的羊毛纤维制备样品，三种不同长度（即1 mm、6 mm和20 mm）.此外，为了评估纤维含量的影响，通过改变纤维重量分数制备样品. 采用热流计对试样的热导率进行了分析，并通过压缩试验对试样的力学性能进行了研究.为了验证热测量结果，对实验数据应用了两种理论模型.试验结果表明，羊毛纤维可用于水泥基基体中，以获得具有增强隔热性能的砂浆或石膏.然而，抗压强度也有明显的下降.因此，需要在这两个方面找到一个折衷办法.

KEYWORDS:

• Wool
• natural fibers
• mechanical properties
• cement mortar
• thermal conductivity
• theoretical model

关键词:

• 羊毛
• 天然纤维
• 机械性能
• 水泥砂浆
• 热导率
• 理论模型