Eco-efficient cementitious composites using waste cellulose fibers: Effects on autogenous shrinkage, strength and energy absorption capacity

Waste cellulose fibers (WCF) constitute a large portion of biomass which are often burned during removal processing. As a sustainable approach to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the agricultural waste burning, substituting WCF for synthetic and other fibers that are routinely used to reinforce the concrete matrix presents a major opportunity. In this study, the WCF used show groundbreaking potential for mitigating the autogenous shrinkage of high strength cementitious mixes, due to the high water-retention capacity of the fibers, 947%, which perform as internal curing agents and alleviate the internally induced stresses. The reinforcing efficiency of the WCF led to outstanding improvements in the flexural strength and energy absorption capacity of the WCF reinforced mortars, especially at early ages. Based on the findings, WCF are an attractive option as an eco-component in concrete that offers completely new prospects for the construction industry in efficiently mitigating the potential of autogenous shrinkage.