Effects of Chemical Treatment on the Physical Properties of Typha

Abstract

Plant-based concretes are produced from plant aggregates and a binder. Plant fibers are mainly composed of saccharides (sugars) and these sugars can decrease the concentration of Ca2+ ions in the cement pore solution and delay the formation of hydration products. To improve the interfacial bond between fibers and matrix a chemical treatment is widely used. This study investigates the effect of sodium hydroxide treatment on physical and hygroscopic properties of Typha aggregates. In particular, a 5% sodium hydroxide solution is used to treat these aggregates and their bulk and absolute densities, porosity, water content and water absorption are evaluated accordingly. Results indicate that bulk and absolute densities increase after treatment from 56.44 kg/m3 to 122.57 kg/m3 and 541.93 kg/m3 to 555.17 kg/m3, respectively. NaOH treatment reduces porosity of Typha from 89.58 % to 77.92% and decreases water content from 1.4 % to 1%. The treatment with sodium hydroxide reduces substantially the water absorption of the aggregates