Multiscale analysis of silane coupling agent modified rubber-fiber concrete interfaces

This study employs PVA fibers to improve the performance of rubber concrete and silane coupling agent to change the incompatibility between rubber and cement in order to weaken the issue of a weak interfacial transition zone between rubber and cement foundation (KH570). The results showed that 1.5% content of KH570 modified 15% content of rubber-1.5% content of PVA fiber with the best effect. KH570 was identified using XRD, FTIR, and SEM characteristics. It was discovered that KH570 experienced a dehydration condensation reaction with free or adsorbed water in the cement, which helped to maintain the integrity between the cement matrix and the rubber. It strengthened the bond between the cement, the rubber, and the PVA fibers and enhanced the cement's capacity to encapsulate the rubber. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations reveal that cement and rubber are connected by Si-O-Si and molecules appear to be cross-distributed, increasing interfacial compatibility and reducing interfacial effects. It can be clearly observed in the interfacial bonding mechanism that KH570 is mainly a C-S-H matrix with parallel or perpendicular connections at the tail end.