SUSTAINABLE GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH SISAL FIBER: DURABILITY TO WETTING AND DRYING CYCLES

Abstract In Brazil, the sludge generated in water treatment plants (WTPs) has no economic value and since it is composed of silicon and aluminum oxides, it can be used in the production of geopolymers - alternative binders. Sisal fibers are renewable natural resources and relatively inexpensive. With such materials, a geopolymeric composite was produced, and was evaluated for its durability, flexural strength and microstructure. Durability was assessed through accelerated aging (10 wetting and drying cycles). While the reference composite (0 cycles) reached strength values ​​of about 15MPa in the flexural test, the aged composite reached the strength of 11MPa, which indicated good durability to wetting and drying cycles. Samples that were naturally aged for 3 years were evaluated using stereomicroscopy. Considering that there was little degradation in the fibers of the composite, it follows that this material could be used in the manufacture of durable roofing sheets.