Interface characteristics of jute fiber systems in a cementitious matrix

The pullout behavior of single filament jute fibers and yarns from a low calcium hydroxide cement matrix were studied. Pullout tests were performed in the micro and meso scales. In the micro scale, the tests were conducted inside an environmental SEM. The fibers were treated with styrene butadiene polymer to improve the fiber-matrix bond and a double-sided pullout configuration was used for the meso scale tests. An analytical model was used to calculate the parameters related to adhesional, frictional, and dynamic bond slip mechanisms between jute fiber and matrix. Results showed that the polymer coating increased the bond up to 130%. The fiber matrix bond at the meso scale also yielded higher values for the polymer-coated fibers. The analytical model is observed to fit the experimental results with the parameters of the maximum shear and frictional stresses that correlate well with the nominal interface strength.