Modification of Polypropylene Fibers with Sodium Silicate: Enhancement of Pozzolanic Properties in Cement-Based Systems
POLYMERS, cilt.17, sa.23, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 17 Sayı: 23
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/polym17233206
- Dergi Adı: POLYMERS
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
- 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.