Polymer Fiber Composition for Cement-Based Composite Bond Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polymer fibers for reinforcing cement-based composites face challenges such as poor bond with the matrix, high production energy, and limited crack bridging ability, leading to inadequate durability and sustainability in civil engineering structures.

Innovation Solution

A polymer composition comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer and pozzolanic materials is used to create fibers that exhibit high hydrophilicity and strong bonding with cement-based matrices, allowing for improved crack-opening resistance and durability through simple and reproducible production processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If polyolefin fibers are used for reinforcement, then resistance to alkaline environment and tensile strength are improved, but bond with cement matrix deteriorates due to hydrophobic nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidbond with matrix

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface chemical parameters of polyolefin fibers by introducing hydrophilic groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) through chemical treatment. This modifies the surface energy and wettability of the fibers, enabling them to bond effectively with the hydrophilic cement matrix while retaining the bulk polyolefin's tensile strength and alkaline resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite fiber structure where the core consists of polyolefin providing mechanical strength and alkaline resistance, while the surface layer contains hydrophilic groups that provide bonding capability with cement. This composite structure at the micro-level allows simultaneous achievement of both strength and bond reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polyolefin fibers are deformed to enhance bond, then bond with cement matrix is improved, but production energy consumption increases and crack bridging ability remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond with matrixVSAvoidproduction energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical deformation methods (which physically alter fiber geometry through high-energy processes) with chemical treatment methods (which modify surface properties through low-energy chemical reactions). This substitution achieves bond enhancement through surface chemistry rather than mechanical work, significantly reducing production energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If steel fibers are used for reinforcement, then tensile strength and crack resistance are improved, but specific gravity increases making transportation and handling difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidspecific gravity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses lightweight polyolefin fibers as a substitute for heavy steel fibers. While polyolefin has lower inherent strength, the chemical treatment enhances its bonding capability, allowing it to effectively reinforce cement composites at lower weights. This replaces heavy, expensive-to-transport steel fibers with lighter, more economical polymer fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If steel fibers are used for reinforcement, then tensile strength is improved, but rusting occurs reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidresistance to rusting

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces corrosion-prone steel fibers with inherently corrosion-resistant polyolefin fibers. The chemical treatment enhances the polyolefin's bonding capability without compromising its rust resistance, providing a durable reinforcement solution that eliminates the rusting problem inherent to steel fibers in cement environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

5Reliability

If stainless steel fibers are used for reinforcement, then resistance to rusting is improved, but cost and production difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to rustingVSAvoidproduction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses conventional polyolefin fibers that are inexpensive and easy to manufacture, applying chemical treatment to enhance their bonding properties. This approach achieves durable, rust-free reinforcement at low cost and simple production, avoiding the high cost and manufacturing complexity of stainless steel fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting fibers enhance the durability and sustainability of cement-based composites by forming strong bonds with the matrix, improving crack resistance and flexural toughness, and reducing production costs and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The resulting fibers exhibit high hydrophilicity and strong bonding with cement-based matrices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 2

forming strong bonds with the matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3490952B1Polymer fibers for reinforcement of cement-based composites

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HUDSONINFRA CORP

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a polymer composition for forming fibers for reinforcement of cement-based composites, polymer fibers made from the composition and methods of making the polymer fibers. The polymer composition comprises an olefin polymer and a bonding agent comprising vinyl alcohol based polymer, a pozzolanic material or a combination thereof.