Research Progress and Application Prospects of Plant Fibers in Geopolymer Concrete: A Review
Zijian Li, Jinjie Li, Weihua Lu, Yongxing Zhang
Abstract
Plant fibers, characterized by their low density, renewable nature, and environmentally friendly characteristics, offer considerable potential as reinforcement materials in geopolymer composites. This review provides a critical and thorough examination of recent developments and emerging trends in plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (PFRGC). The paper commences by detailing the inherent characteristics of plant fibers and the mechanisms governing their interfacial adhesion with the geopolymer matrix, with specific emphasis on the impact of fiber surface modification on interface properties. The review offers a comprehensive investigation of the mechanical properties of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete, encompassing compressive strength, tensile strength, and toughness. Additionally, the paper examines the influence of plant fiber integration on the durability of geopolymer concrete, discussing improvements in freeze-thaw resistance, permeability, and carbonation resistance. In conclusion, this review highlights the prevailing challenges in the domain and provides insights into future developments of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete. An analysis was performed utilizing papers from 2000 to 2025 indexed in prominent databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to enhance the review. Integrating plant fibers into developing technologies, such as 3D printing of geo-polymer matrices, signifies a promising avenue for structural applications. It advocates that future research efforts should focus on enhancing fiber modification techniques, exploring novel fiber materials, and doing thorough assessments of long-term performance.