Performance evaluation of mercerized raffia and sisal fibers in engineered cementitious composites

This study investigated the use of raffia and sisal fibers as replacements for coarse aggregates in engineered cementitious composite (ECC) to improve its flexural properties. The fibers were treated with mercerization, a common chemical process, to alter their structure and surface morphology. The fiber characteristics were analyzed using various techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), and tensile test. The mechanical properties (compression, elastic modulus, direct tensile, and flexural strength) of treated and untreated mono and hybrid fiber combinations were evaluated based on their volume content in the ECC mix. The results showed that mercerized hybrid fiber combinations exhibited enhanced mechanical performance compared to untreated fibers. The ECC was then applied in the tension zone of an M30 grade structural beam to determine its load-carrying performance in this zone. Overall, the use of ECC with mercerized hybrid fibers has the potential to significantly improve the mechanical properties of concrete structures.