Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review

Plant fibers (PFs) have been increasingly employed in cement-based gel composites (CCs) on account of their excellent mechanical properties, toughness and sustainability. Researchers have engaged in a lot of studies on plant fiber-reinforced cement-based gel composites (PFRCCs). Based on these studi...

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Main Authors: Peng Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Jinjun Guo, Yuanxun Zheng, Zhen Gao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Gels
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/5/362
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author Peng Zhang
Xiao Zhang
Jinjun Guo
Yuanxun Zheng
Zhen Gao
author_facet Peng Zhang
Xiao Zhang
Jinjun Guo
Yuanxun Zheng
Zhen Gao
author_sort Peng Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Plant fibers (PFs) have been increasingly employed in cement-based gel composites (CCs) on account of their excellent mechanical properties, toughness and sustainability. Researchers have engaged in a lot of studies on plant fiber-reinforced cement-based gel composites (PFRCCs). Based on these studies, the chemical components and mechanical characteristics of PFs are summed up in this review. In addition, the modification methods for matrices and PFs are also discussed. The mechanical properties of PFRCCs, including static and dynamic properties, are reviewed. Predictive equations for the mechanical properties of PFRCCs are summarized in this paper. In the end, the characteristics of the interface transition zones between PFs and CCs are analyzed. According to the results of previous studies, the addition of PFs can enhance the flexural strength and tensile strength of CCs, but it can have an uncertain effect on compressive strength. The elastic modulus and fracture behavior of PFRCCs increases with the addition of PFs. At the same time, modification methods have been proved to be useful in reducing the degradation of PFs in CCs. Generally speaking, PFRCCs are new building materials which have extensive application prospects. The aim of this review is to help researchers understand the mechanical properties of PFRCCs and to promote the application of PFRCCs in future projects.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2310-2861
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publishDate 2025-05-01
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series Gels
spelling doaj-art-28b22c7d825d47b292cbf23d956401842025-08-20T03:47:54ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612025-05-0111536210.3390/gels11050362Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A ReviewPeng Zhang0Xiao Zhang1Jinjun Guo2Yuanxun Zheng3Zhen Gao4School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaPlant fibers (PFs) have been increasingly employed in cement-based gel composites (CCs) on account of their excellent mechanical properties, toughness and sustainability. Researchers have engaged in a lot of studies on plant fiber-reinforced cement-based gel composites (PFRCCs). Based on these studies, the chemical components and mechanical characteristics of PFs are summed up in this review. In addition, the modification methods for matrices and PFs are also discussed. The mechanical properties of PFRCCs, including static and dynamic properties, are reviewed. Predictive equations for the mechanical properties of PFRCCs are summarized in this paper. In the end, the characteristics of the interface transition zones between PFs and CCs are analyzed. According to the results of previous studies, the addition of PFs can enhance the flexural strength and tensile strength of CCs, but it can have an uncertain effect on compressive strength. The elastic modulus and fracture behavior of PFRCCs increases with the addition of PFs. At the same time, modification methods have been proved to be useful in reducing the degradation of PFs in CCs. Generally speaking, PFRCCs are new building materials which have extensive application prospects. The aim of this review is to help researchers understand the mechanical properties of PFRCCs and to promote the application of PFRCCs in future projects.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/5/362plant fibercement-based gel compositesmodification methodsmechanical propertiesinterfacial bonding properties
spellingShingle Peng Zhang
Xiao Zhang
Jinjun Guo
Yuanxun Zheng
Zhen Gao
Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
Gels
plant fiber
cement-based gel composites
modification methods
mechanical properties
interfacial bonding properties
title Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
title_full Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
title_fullStr Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
title_full_unstemmed Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
title_short Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
title_sort mechanical properties of cement based gel composites reinforced by plant fiber a review
topic plant fiber
cement-based gel composites
modification methods
mechanical properties
interfacial bonding properties
url https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/5/362
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AT xiaozhang mechanicalpropertiesofcementbasedgelcompositesreinforcedbyplantfiberareview
AT jinjunguo mechanicalpropertiesofcementbasedgelcompositesreinforcedbyplantfiberareview
AT yuanxunzheng mechanicalpropertiesofcementbasedgelcompositesreinforcedbyplantfiberareview
AT zhengao mechanicalpropertiesofcementbasedgelcompositesreinforcedbyplantfiberareview