Basalt Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass fibers are unsuitable for use in cementitious compositions due to adverse reactions, leading to poor durability of glass fiber reinforced cementitious composites, necessitating an alternative reinforcing material for building products.
Innovation Solution
The use of basalt fibers, which are selected for their dimensions and configurations similar to natural cellulose fibers, and combined with a cementitious binder, fillers, and additives to create a fiber reinforced cementitious composition that replaces some fillers and provides enhanced mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass fibers are used in cementitious compositions, then reinforcement is provided, but adverse reactions occur between glass fibers and cementitious matrix leading to poor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by substituting glass fibers with basalt fibers, which have different chemical composition and physical properties. Basalt fibers contain lower alkali content and different mineral composition that prevents adverse reactions with the cementitious matrix, thereby maintaining reinforcement properties while improving durability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining basalt fibers with the cementitious matrix. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of basalt fibers (chemical stability, strength) and the cementitious matrix to create a durable reinforced composite that avoids the compatibility issues between glass fibers and cement.
2Strength
If basalt fibers are used to replace fillers, then mechanical properties are enhanced, but fiber volume must be controlled to remain below critical fiber volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fiber volume parameter by controlling it to remain below the critical fiber volume threshold. This parameter control ensures that the basalt fibers are sufficiently spaced to be effectively embedded in the cementitious matrix, allowing the fibers to bridge cracks and enhance mechanical properties without creating agglomeration or processing difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a sub-critical fiber volume rather than maximizing fiber content. This partial approach ensures adequate fiber-matrix bonding and stress transfer while avoiding the negative effects of excessive fiber concentration, such as reduced workability and increased porosity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fiber reinforced cementitious composition comprising a cementitious binder and at least one synthetic inorganic reinforcing fiber type, wherein the synthetic inorganic reinforcing fiber type comprises at least one of a man-made mineral fiber type such as basalt fibers, an aluminosilicate wool fiber type or an alkaline earth silicate wool fiber type.