BAMBOO BASED CARBON MATERIAL FOR IMPROVED MECHANICAL

PROPERTIES OF CEMENT COMPOSITES

Pravin Jagadale1, Sajjad Ahmad2, Rao Arsalan Khushnood2, Jean Marc Tulliani1, Alberto Tagliaferro1, Giuseppe Andrea Ferro2
1 Dept. of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Italy 10129
2 Dept. of Structural, Construction and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG), Politecnico di Torino, Italy 10129
Corresponding Auther: Sajjad Ahmad (Email: sajjad.ahmad@polito.it)

Fast pace of development necessitates the production and utilization of high performance, economical and eco-
friendly cement composite systems in construction industry. In the present research production of high
performance cement composites with the incorporation of nano/micro sized inert carbonized particles is
investigated. The inert particles were produced in-house by the pyrolysis of bamboo. The pyrolyzed product was
grinded to nano scale with the help of attrition mill before their utilization in the cement matrix. It has been
observed that the cement matrix provided superior mechanical properties by their inclusion. This effect may be
attributed to the filling of nano/micro voids resulting in higher packing density of the cement mix.

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In total four cement mixes were prepared; one as base mix without any addition and other three with 0.05, 0.08
and 0.2 wt.% additions of pyrolyzed bamboo particles (PB). Ordinary Portland cement confirming to ASTM C150 was

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used. Water to cement ratio was kept 0.35 and high range water reducer 1.5% by weight of cement was used in all
formulations. For each mix composition, three prisms of (20x20x75) mm were prepared and after the completion

tP
of immersed water curing of 28 days, the samples were tested by three point bending for analyzing the effects of
carbonized inert particles inclusions on the flexural strength and toughness properties of cement composites.

Three Point
4f
Bending Test
y
Setup
tB
3f

Fracture surface of Fracture surface of

CEM+0.00wt% PB CEM+0.05wt% PB
E
PL

Modulus of Rupture Fracture Energy

140 300
FESEM of carbonized and grinded
Fracture Energy (%)
Modulus of Rupture (%)

120 250 bamboo particles

100 200
M

80 150

60 100
SA

40 50
20 0
CEM 0.05%PB 0.08%PB 0.20%PB
0
CEM 0.05%PB 0.08%PB 0.20%PB 1st Crack Toughness Total Toughness

The experimental results reveals that the cement composites containing carbonized bamboo particles possess
higher flexural strength and fracture energy due to their higher packing density, lower void content with higher
resistance for crack growth. The increment in the modulus of rupture (flexural strength) was recorded as 11% and
4% with 0.08% and 0.2% inclusions respectively. The total fracture energy has been improved substantially due to
the particles inclusions as the small inert particles trap the growth of cracks at the nano/micro level hence
increasing the energy required to produce the fracture. It is concluded that the optimum value of carbonized
bamboo particles inclusion is 0.08% by mass of cement, as it can enhance the flexural strength and fracture energy
by 11% and 92% respectively.
Acknowledgement: XXIII International Materials Research Congress, Cancun, Mexico (Aug 17-21, 2014)
Dr.Salvatore Gustella,
The higher education commission (HEC) Pakistan.