Kaya Y., Balcı P., Özen S., Mardani A., Kara A.
POLYMERS, cilt.17, sa.23, ss.1-16, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
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Yayın Türü:
Makale / Tam Makale
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Cilt numarası:
17
Sayı:
23
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Basım Tarihi:
2025
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Doi Numarası:
10.3390/polym17233206
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Dergi Adı:
POLYMERS
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Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler:
Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
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Sayfa Sayıları:
ss.1-16
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Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli:
Evet
Özet
This study investigates the effect of sodium-silicate-based chemical surface modification of polypropylene (PP) fibers on the mechanical and fresh-state properties of cementitious composites. The proposed method introduces silanol and siloxane groups onto the PP surface through a radical-assisted chlorination route, aiming to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Modified fibers increased the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) demand by 100% compared to the control mixture, while unmodified PP fibers caused a 58% increase at equivalent workability. The incorporation of PP fibers resulted in limited changes in compressive strength (1-7%), whereas silicate-modified fibers led to notable late-age flexural strength gains of 10% (28 days) and 17% (56 days). Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed successful surface functionalization, while the heterogeneous silicate deposition still contributed positively to interfacial transition zone (ITZ) performance. Overall, sodium-silicate-modified PP fibers improve flexural behavior and interfacial bonding in cement-based systems, offering a promising approach for enhanced mechanical performance and sustainability.