Abstract

Due to the need for new technologies that reduce the negative impact on the environment, the geopolymers, aluminosilicate-based materials, appear as a good alternative to Portland cement for having good mechanical properties, such as high initial strength. The objective of this work was to analyze the behavior of industrial geopolymer composites with the addition of jute fibers, according to the curing time of the material and the amount of fiber inserted, trying to identify if their use could bring benefits in the mechanical properties of the composite. Compression tests were made, and the results showed that the fibrous reinforced geopolymer composites have brought a good compatibility between fiber and matrix, showing a good mechanical behavior. The addition of the fibers allowed a greater ability of the composite to resist the loads after cracking, increasing its ductility. In addition to the increased deformation, there was also an increase in the compressive strength of the material.

Keywords: Geopolymers; Composites; Jute fibers; Compressive strength