Development of Structural Type Mortars Reinforced with Coconut (<i>Cocos nucifera</i>) Fiber: Chemical, Thermal and Mechanical Behavior

In this research, structural type mortars reinforced with coconut fibers were elaborated. These fibers were previously treated with linseed oil and paraffin wax. The fibers were cut to lengths of 1, 2 and 5 cm, and weighed, in order to obtain a ratio of 0.5 % and 1 % weight with respect to the amount of cement. The fibers were characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). In addition, the chemical resistance of the fibers was evaluated by exposing them to a concentrated Ca (OH)2 solution that simulated the alkaline medium of cement. The fiber-reinforced mortars were mechanically characterized by compression and flexural tests, which were performed at 7, 21 and 28 days after processing. In this paper, the effect of the hydrophobic substance used to protect the fiber against the alkaline medium of the cement, the length of the fiber and the percentage by weight of the fiber on the compressive and flexural strength of the mortars were studied. The results showed that the highest compressive and flexural strength were obtained with the composites reinforced with coconut fiber of volume 0.5%, length of 1 cm and paraffin wax as impregnation substance.