Investigation on polymeric fibers as reinforcement in cementitious composites: Flexural performance

The objective of this article is to evaluate the effect of some synthetic polymeric fibers on the flexural behavior of cement-based matrix. On this basis, polypropylene (PP), nylon 6,6 (N66), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers were selected and characterized by optical microscopy, tensile test, aging in chemical solution, surface free energy testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites was determined using a three-point bending test. N66 and PAN fiber reinforced composites had higher toughness and maximum flexural strength, which were in line with the results of surface free energy of the fibers.