Effect of fibers content on the tensile properties of coconut fibers reinforced cement mortar composites

The coconut fiber presents higher ductile properties than other natural fibers. In previous studies, it demonstrated than Indonesian coconut fibers presents an improved tensile strength and failure strain after washed with water and dried. The coconut fibers have the potential to reinforce material for construction, especially in earthquake areas such as tropical countries. The purpose of this research is to assess the benefit brought by coconut fibers content on the tensile behavior of mortar composite. Splitting tensile strengths were measured and microstructure observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of fiber content (expressed by a mass ratio fiber/cement) is investigated. The results show that a fiber content of 5% allows a 10 times higher deflection and presents a 1.5 times higher tensile strength than mortar without fiber. Further studies will focus on the bond strength between the fiber and the cement mortar matrix.