Effect of Fluidity of Cement Mortar and Dispersion of Basalt Fibers on Mechanical Properties of BFRC Composites

Basalt fiber (BF) has a lot of advantageous properties. The actual effectiveness of the fiber depends greatly on their dispersion degree in the composites. With the help of ultrasonic wave and a dispersant carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), the even dispersion of short basalt fibers in water is realized. The fluidity of the basalt fiber cement mortar becomes less as the fiber content increasing. When the fluidity of mortar of BFRC is greater than 170mm, the even dispersion of short basalt fibers in BFRC can be realized. Fly ash can effectively improve the fluidity of BFRC and the density of cement matrix. When the amount of fly ash replaces the cement less than 25% by weight, it can improve both the compressive strength and tensile strength at age of 28 days.