Strengthening and Toughening Efficiency of Calcium Carbonate Whisker-Reinforced Portland Cement with or without Silica Fume

Abstract:

Strengthening and toughening efficiency contributed by calcium carbonate whisker was questioned in this study when the interfacial bonding strength between whisker and Portland cement was increased by adding silica fume. A simple proving experiment was employed and the basic mechanical properties were measured. The results showed that the compressive strength of the composites with silica fume was more sensitive to whisker loading. The flexural strength, split tensile strength and work of fracture were increased no matter with or without silica fume. However, the strengthening and toughening efficiency caused by whiskers in the composites with silica fume was lower than that without silica fume. The scanning electron microscopy images illustrated six mechanisms which can account for the strengthening and toughening effects. It is concluded that crack deflection was the efficient mechanism to toughen cement composite materials. And the interfacial bonding strength should be weak enough to introduce more crack deflection mechanism.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 479-481)
• Pages: 536-540
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.479-481.536
• Online since: February 2012
• Authors: Ming Li Cao, Cong Zhang
• Keywords: Calcium Carbonate Whisker, Interfacial Bonding Strength, Portland Cement, Silica Fume (SF), Strengthening, Toughening

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