Characterization of a polypropylene fibered cement composite using ESEM, FESEM and mechanical testing

Abstract

The microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of a reinforced cement by the introduction of polypropylene fibres creating a composite material with a reduction of the weight and possible regulation of the times of setting has been carried out. A detailed microstructure determination has been made first time by environmental scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The final surface of this composite after setting is different according to the contacts areas of mold, while the bulk microstructure is very homogeneous, depicting uniform distribution of fibres into the matrix.