The durability of alkali-resistant glass fibres in cement matrix

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the durability of glass fibres in cement matrix containing silica fume (15, 25, 40 wt. %) with emphasis on the mechanism of their interaction with cement, to elucidate the effect of these interactions on the durability performance of alkali resistant glass fibers and, finally, to present observations obtained by scanning electron microscopy of the environment attack. The accelerated procedure method, Strand in Cement (SIC), in which the specimens are cured at hydrothermal conditions has been applied and the results were used to predict long term behaviour of these glass fibers. AR-glass based on ZrO2 is alkaline resistant, but it deteriorates during prolonged wet cure. Silica fume, due to its pozzolanic properties has decreased the alkalinity of cement matrix by reacting with Ca(OH)(2). The treatment of alkali resistant glass fibers with silica fume was effective in improving durability performances of glass fibres in cement matrix and fibres reinforced cement composites.