Study on Fiber-Fabric Hierarchical Reinforcement for High-Toughness Magnesium Phosphate Cement Composites

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) has gained attention in specialized construction applications due to its rapid setting and high early strength, though its inherent brittleness limits structural performance. This study developed an innovative toughening strategy through synergistic reinforcement using hybrid fibers and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric capable of multi-scale crack control. The experimental program systematically evaluated the hybrid fiber system, dosage, and CFRP positioning effects through mechanical testing of 7-day cured specimens. The results indicated that 3.5% fiber dosage optimized flexural-compressive balance (45% flexural gain with <20% compressive reduction), while CFRP integration at 19 mm displacement enhanced flexural capacity via multi-scale reinforcement. Fracture analysis revealed that the combined system increases post-cracking strength by 60% through coordinated crack bridging at micro (fiber) and macro (CFRP) scales. These findings elucidated the mechanisms by which fiber-CFRP interaction mitigates MPC's brittleness through hierarchical crack control while maintaining its rapid hardening advantages. The study established quantitative design guidelines, showing the fiber composition of CF/WSF/CPS15 = 1/1/1 with 19 mm CFRP placement achieves optimal toughness-flexural balance (<i>f</i>_f/<i>f</i>_c > 0.38). The developed composite system reduced brittleness through effective crack suppression across scales, confirming its capability to transform fracture behavior from brittle to quasi-ductile. This work advances MPC's engineering applicability by resolving its mechanical limitations through rationally designed composite systems, with particular relevance to rapid repair scenarios requiring both early strength and damage tolerance, expanding its potential in specialized construction where conventional cement proves inadequate.