Grant: Idea to Innovation

This proposed project aims to produce an innovative green surface treated fiber for use as reinforcement by the construction industry. The proposed project aims to use a patented technology to coat monofilament fibers of polypropylene and glass with pozzolanic material or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly-ash and silica fume. The variables noted above including two lengths; a micro fiber (length <20mm) and a macro fiber (length >40mm) will result in eight different types of fibers. One of the main objectives of this project is to design and construct a prototype conveyor system with tow feed, adhesive spray/heat system, followed by SCM spray/curing chamber, and finally a chopping and bagging system. Microscopy and confirmatory product testing will allow for creating a fiber specification sheet for all the 8 products produced. Owing to the siliceous coating on the surface of these engineered fibers, these fibers develop superior (less voids) Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) with the cement matrix resulting in improved and more durable bonding. Addition of micro fibers in concrete is well known to reduce shrinkage cracking and combined use with macro fibers can add the otherwise lacking post crack strength in brittle matrix of concrete. The involvement of various external stakeholders will allow us to meet the project goal of rapid deployment of the fibers produced using this technology.