Reinforcement of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composites Using Short Carbon and Aramid Fibers

Short fibers were mixed into the matrix of magnesium oxychloride (MOC) composites and their effect on the flexural strength and modulus of the composites was examined. The fibers studied were aramid, standard modulus carbon fiber (SMCF), and intermediate modulus carbon fibers (IMCF). Experiments showed an increasing trend for flexural strength as a result of adding of SMCF and IMCF. The addition of aramid fibers decreased the flexural strength at all fiber loadings as a result of aramid fibers clumping together during the mixing of the raw materials. The modulus of rupture did not statistically change during these experiments. The maximum flexural strength enhancement observed was 21% using 0.3 wt. % IMCF. This kind of reinforcement provides an alternative to the commonly used glass fiber scrim reinforcement that does not limit composites to a certain shape, enabling a broader range of applications within the construction industry.