Mechanical characterization of sisal fiber reinforced polymer mortars: Compressive and flexural properties:

In this study, polymer mortars manufactured with epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins reinforced with 1%, in weight, of sisal fibers were prepared. The fibers were chemically modified in order to improve their compatibility with inorganic aggregate, foundry sand, organic binder, and polymer resin. Sisal fibers were treated with 5% and 10% of NaOH and 20% of acetic acid diluted in an aqueous solution. Flexural and compressive tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of such materials. Results showed that untreated sisal fibers improve the mechanical properties but treated fibers contribute to lower polymer mortars’ mechanical properties. An increase in stiffness is observed in all reinforced mortars due to fiber bridging.