Cement mortar reinforced with recycled carbon fiber and CFRP waste

This study investigated the effects of recycled carbon fibres (RCF) and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) waste of different percentages on the mechanical properties of Portland cement composite through laboratory testing. Portland cement mortars reinforced by either RCF or CFRP waste were tested for flexural strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness by conducting three-point bending test. The influences of dispersing agent and additives for cement including mineral and chemical admixtures on cement reinforced fibre composites for a total of 15 different combinations were evaluated based on the mechanical properties. Experiment results suggested that the strength of the composite grew gradually, and reached a maximum increase of 21.9% with 3% CFRP waste by weight compared to plain material. On the other hand, specimens using 3% CFRP waste or 1.5% RCF fibres has shown a significant increase in stiffness with 20.5% and 15.5%, respectively. Additionally, CFRP offered cement composite a remarkable growth regarding fracture energy up to 3720%