Study of Cement-Based Mortars Reinforced with Guaruman Fibers in the Fresh State

Abstract

Guaruman fiber is a natural lignocellulosic fiber (NFL) extracted from the stalk of an Amazon plant (Ishinosiphon Koern) in the northern region of Brazil. The present work investigates the addition of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt.% of guaruman fiber, in cement mass, and a reference mortar (0%). The fibers were mercerized in NaOH solution for improved adhesion to a mortar matrix made with 1:1:6 ratio of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), lime and natural sand. Technical properties, such as density, consistency, content of air incorporated and water retention were evaluated for the processed fresh state of the mortar reinforced with guaruman fiber. The preliminary results in association with the relatively low density of the mortars incorporated with NaOH-treated guaruman fibers reveal a promising material to be applied as mortar for wall covering in civil construction, in a proportion of 7.5 wt.%, which shows a great potential for the use of this fiber.