Comparative analysis of spinning techniques on the performance of full-strength-grade engineered cementitious composites

Mechanical characteristics, pore structure, fiber distribution, micromorphology

authored by: Minjin Cai, Hehua Zhu, Timon Rabczuk, Xiaoying Zhuang
Abstract: The spinning techniques used for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are crucial for enhancing the performance of ECC. However, the specific effects of different spinning techniques for UHMWPE fibers on ECC's performance are not well understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of dry-spun and wet-spun spinning techniques on both the macroscopic mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of full-strength-grade ECC. Comprehensive tests were conducted, including assessments of tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. Additionally, detailed CT-based 3D reconstruction and SEM analysis were performed to examine the pore structure, fiber orientation, and micromorphology. The findings reveal that the surface irregularities and roughness of dry-spun fibers lead to stress concentration, whereas the more uniform surface of wet-spun fibers enhances their bridging performance. Compared to dry-spun fibers, wet-spun fibers significantly improve ECC's tensile and flexural properties, enhancing ultimate tensile strength by up to 22.7 % and ultimate flexural deflection by up to 50.2 %. Additionally, wet-spun fibers result in a more uniform pore structure and better fiber alignment, creating a denser and more compact matrix. These microstructural improvements contribute to superior load transfer and energy absorption characteristics, enhancing ECC's overall performance and durability. These results underscore the critical role of fiber spinning techniques in optimizing ECC performance, contributing to more durable and sustainable structures in high-performance construction applications.
Organisation(s): Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
External Organisation(s): Tongji University
State Key Laboratory for Disaster Reduction of Civil Engineering
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Type: Article
Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
Volume: 97
Publication date: 15.11.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Civil and Structural Engineering, Architecture, Building and Construction, Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality, Mechanics of Materials
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110793 (Access: Closed)

BibTeX

@article{1718558e961a4737a7e6c530fa797a96,
title = "Comparative analysis of spinning techniques on the performance of full-strength-grade engineered cementitious composites: Mechanical characteristics, pore structure, fiber distribution, micromorphology",
abstract = "The spinning techniques used for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are crucial for enhancing the performance of ECC. However, the specific effects of different spinning techniques for UHMWPE fibers on ECC's performance are not well understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of dry-spun and wet-spun spinning techniques on both the macroscopic mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of full-strength-grade ECC. Comprehensive tests were conducted, including assessments of tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. Additionally, detailed CT-based 3D reconstruction and SEM analysis were performed to examine the pore structure, fiber orientation, and micromorphology. The findings reveal that the surface irregularities and roughness of dry-spun fibers lead to stress concentration, whereas the more uniform surface of wet-spun fibers enhances their bridging performance. Compared to dry-spun fibers, wet-spun fibers significantly improve ECC's tensile and flexural properties, enhancing ultimate tensile strength by up to 22.7 % and ultimate flexural deflection by up to 50.2 %. Additionally, wet-spun fibers result in a more uniform pore structure and better fiber alignment, creating a denser and more compact matrix. These microstructural improvements contribute to superior load transfer and energy absorption characteristics, enhancing ECC's overall performance and durability. These results underscore the critical role of fiber spinning techniques in optimizing ECC performance, contributing to more durable and sustainable structures in high-performance construction applications.",
keywords = "Dry spinning, Mechanical properties, Microscopic characteristics, UHMWPE fibers, Wet spinning",
author = "Minjin Cai and Hehua Zhu and Timon Rabczuk and Xiaoying Zhuang",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} Elsevier Ltd",
year = "2024",
month = nov,
day = "15",
doi = "10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110793",
language = "English",
volume = "97",
journal = "Journal of Building Engineering",
issn = "2352-7102",
publisher = "Elsevier BV",
}