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Journal of Materials Science, February 2014, Volume 49, Issue 4, pp 1684-1694.
Hakamy, F. U. A. Shaikh, I. M. Low
Department of Imaging & Applied Physics, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia and
Department of Civil Engineering, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
Abstract
The influence of nanoclay on thermal and mechanical properties of hemp fabric-reinforced cement composite is presented in this paper. Results indicate that these properties are improved as a result of nanoclay addition. An optimum replacement of ordinary Portland cement with 1 wt% nanoclay is observed through improved thermal stability, reduced porosity and water absorption as well as increased density, flexural strength, fracture toughness and impact strength of hemp fabric-reinforced nanocomposite. The microstructural analyses indicate that the nanoclay behaves not only as a filler to improve the microstructure but also as an activator to promote the pozzolanic reaction and thus improve the adhesion between hemp fabric and nanomatrix.
