Work

Performance and predictive modeling of surface carbonized plant fiber reinforced alkali-activated self-insulating mortar

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Incorporating stalk fibers into alkali-activated cement faces challenges: alkaline exposure leaches sugars, while their smooth, low-energy surfaces weaken interfacial bonding. To address these issues, this study focuses on the surface carbonization of stalk fibers. The microstructural characteristics of surface-carbonized stalk were systematically investigated through multiple characterization methodologies. This research thoroughly examines the effects of carbonization temperature and duration on both mechanical properties and thermal transmission characteristics of alkali-activated cement-based composites, while conducting comparative analyses of different surface modification strategies for performance enhancement in stalk-reinforced systems. Experimental findings demonstrate that surface carbonization under standard curing conditions outperforms NaOH immersion treatment, with the resultant mortar exhibiting impressive mechanical properties surpassing those of untreated stalk composites. Notably, this composite material simultaneously achieves enhanced thermal insulation performance, manifesting a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.2373 W/m 2 K. Furthermore, a machine learning framework was developed to model the relationship between modified stalk microstructure and composite mechanical properties, enabling accurate prediction of material performance.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-98244-0

Authors: Shuang Song, Shibo Wang, Ming Gao, Jingyao Li

Institutions: Jilin University of Architecture and Technology, Jilin Jianzhu University

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690