Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Green Concrete Composites Containing Coir Fibre

Abstract

Green concrete ensuing from different bio fibre exploration for a cleaner environment is one of the pressing issues for concrete engineers and scientists in the 21st century. Usage of bio fibres in green concrete production has drawn appreciable interest due to its friendliness and reduction of carbon dioxide emission to the environment, improvement of air quality and low-cost compared to synthetic and steel fibres. The concrete properties are being enhanced with the inclusion of the bio fibres. In this paper, the physical, microstructural and mechanical properties of the green concrete composite, which contains coir fibre as a reinforcing agent were studied. Properties studied include slump and VeBe time of fresh concrete as well as quasi-static strength, impact resistance and microstructure of hardened concrete. Six volume fractions of 0 to 3 % were used with Ordinary Portland Cement. It was observed that the inclusion of coir fibre in the concrete decreases the slump factor and increases the VeBe time of the fresh Coir bio fibrous concrete composite. The influences of coir fibre on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of the concrete was observed to be more significant at a volume fraction of 1 %. The findings of the study demonstrated that there is a promising future for the use of coir fibres as a fibrous material in the production of sustainable green and durable concrete both technically and environmentally.