Micropore structure controlling: A strategy toward superior tensile properties in high strength engineering cementitious composites
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High strength engineering cementitious composites (HSECC) exhibit excellent mechanical properties and ductility, making them highly effective in enhancing structural safety. However, significant fluctuations exist in the tensile properties of HSECC with identical compositions because of the chaotic micropores. In this paper, the tensile properties of HSECC were optimized by adjusting the plastic viscosity of fresh cement slurry to control the micropore structure. The plastic viscosity was categorized into five ranges by adjusting the amounts of superplasticizers (SP) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). The results showed that appropriate plastic viscosity could effectively regulate micropore structure, quantity, and distribution. Specifically, increased plastic viscosity prevented bubble escape, resulting in uniform micropore structure distribution within the material. The optimized micropore structure reduced large defects while promoting fiber dispersion and bonding, thereby significantly improving the composite's tensile properties. When the plastic viscosity was between 11-15 Pa·s, HSECC achieved peak performance metrics: initial cracking strength of 4.87 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 8.30 MPa, tensile strain of 10.24%, and energy absorption of 710.5 kJ/m³. X-CT testing confirmed that the modified micropore structure efficiently guided crack propagation, markedly enhancing the composite's overall mechanical characteristics.
Source: Journal of Building Engineering
Authors: Xin Wang, Heng Cheng, Peng Du, Yongbo Huang, Xin Cheng
Institution: University of Jinan
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,940
Funders: Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province, Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province, Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center)
Awards: G3846279504, G8822807177
OpenAlex ID: W4414440976