A novel type of mineral-impregnated fiber reinforcements based on alkaline-resistant glass fiber and magnesium oxychloride cement for enhanced sustainability in construction
Jitong Zhao, Julius Scheel, Marco Liebscher, Thomas Köberle, Viktor Mechtcherine
Abstract
The present study addresses an innovative methodology for the design and creation of mineral-impregnated fiber-reinforcement structures utilizing magnesium oxychloride (MOC) cement and commercial alkaline-resistant glass fiber (AR-GF) rovings. The approach of custom-built material design and manufacturing equipment makes a high-quality and stable impregnation process possible, ensuring efficient industrial manufacturing and great flexibility in field applications. Particular fresh mineral-impregnated glass fibers (MGFs) are air-cured at ambient temperature and evaluated over the course of 28 days. The MGF composites exhibit a considerable initial strength after the 1st day, with further improvement with subsequent curing periods, particularly until the first 7 days. The remarkable flexural and tensile performance achieved by the MGF prototypes at both 1-day and 28-day curing periods is in the same range as currently available fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). Analysis using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and micro-computed tomography (μCT) validate a more reacted and densified matrix microstructure and enhanced fiber-matrix interphase due to prolonged curing. The proposed reinforcement type leverages a sustainable impregnation medium and digital production, contributing to carbon-neutral, lightweight and fire-safe construction.