Properties of concrete with African palm fibers exposed to two treatments

Abstract

This study offers a significant contribution by investigating the properties of concrete reinforced with African palm fibers, aiming to counteract the negative effects of concrete’s alkaline environment on fiber performance. The purpose was to assess two treatments: immersion in 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and immersion in hot water at 100°C, and their impact on the physical and mechanical properties of the concrete composite. African palm fibers, after treatment, were incorporated into concrete mixes designed for 21 MPa and 24 MPa compressive strengths, at proportions of 0.5% and 1.0% by total concrete volume. Compression and modulus of elasticity tests were conducted at 14, 28, and 56 days of curing. The results consistently showed that concrete containing 0.5% of fibers treated with sodium hydroxide achieved the highest compressive strength among all tested conditions, highlighting the efficacy of this treatment in enhancing the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced concrete.