New Alternative Recycled Cloth Fiber Based on Cement

This study explores the potential of using recycled cloth fibers from fabric recycling plants and tests the properties of cement mixed with recycled cloth fibers. The composite composed cement, water, and 3 different lengths of recycled textile fiber (short, medium and long fiber). The composition ratio of cement to water to fiber is as follows: 1:1:0.10, 1:1:0.25 and 1:1:0.50 by weight. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were measured according to test standards and compared to conventional building materials.
The results found that different cloth fibers based-on cement have the potential to be used in the production of a new alternative material. Using recycled cloth fiber as an ingredient in cement will help reduce the bulk density and thermal conductivity value. The short cloth fiber in the composite results in high density, and compressive strength. Water absorption is low but thermal conductivity is high. When comparing the test properties of the specimens with the standard material, it was found that the specimens with ratios of 1:1:0.10 and 1:1:0.25 passed the non-load bearing wall material and had better properties than the conventional wall blocks in the local market.
Moreover, it can be applied as a sustainable lightweight insulating material for both wall spraying and 3D printing.