Analysis of Na2SiO4 effect on durability of a portland cement matrix and mahogany reinforcement composite through electron microscopy

Abstract

Na2 SiO4 behavior as a mineralizer agent on organic fibers composites with Type I Portland Cement matrix is possible to observe it through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The purpose of this research was to study the role of this agent on this material’s durability due to the chemical incompatibility between calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 and the fiber reinforcement from the mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla), from composites of three different ages and two different fiber volumetric fraction as well. The tests were made in three different zones: matrix, reinforcement and transition zone, using a SEM, whereas the chemical composition was scanned out with an Energy Disperse X-Ray Spectrometer (EDS); through the first equipment the contrast between the different phases was observed; with the second one, the chemical composition of the regions of interest was analyzed. The results showed usefulness of the agent in improving the material durability, as well as the benefits of the use of SEM to visualize the microstructural behavior.