Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and physical performance of corn straw fibers in cement mortar

This study investigates the effects of water, acetic acid (CH3COOH), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatments on the physical and mechanical properties of corn straw fibers in cement mortar. The use of natural fibers in cement composites offers a promising approach to reducing reliance on synthetic materials and utilizing agricultural byproducts. Chemical treatments like NaOH and CH3COOH improve fiber-matrix bonding, which is critical for enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites. NaOH treatment resulted in the most significant improvements, with surface roughness increasing by 104.8% and compressive strength reaching 52.8 MPa at 1.5% fiber content after 28 days. CH3COOH treatment boosted early-stage flexural strength, achieving 6.75 MPa at 7 days, but its long-term effect was limited. Water treatment showed minimal impact on fiber performance. These results indicate the potential for NaOH-treated fibers to enhance the strength and durability of cement-based materials.