Holistic solution to natural fiber deterioration in cement composite using hybrid treatments

The problems of high-water absorption, limited tensile strength, and susceptibility to microbial degradation and poor adhesion to the cement matrix are the main challenges limiting the usage of natural fiber for the reinforcement of cement composite. And thus, that motivated the present study. Stage-wise hybrid treatment that involves alkaline treatment using NaOH and subsequent impregnation with either stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (1827), cinnamon derivative or room temperature vulcanized silicon rubber (RTV) resulting to three hybrid treatment were investigated to simultaneously tackle the aforementioned problems. Findings obtained reveal that water absorption of the fibers reduced by 82.38% and 82.17%, and tensile strength increased by 8.7% and 17.47% with the hybrid treatment 1 (H-T₁) and hybrid treatment 2 (H-T₂) respectively. Also, both the hybrid treatments have impacted antimicrobial efficacy. More so, the characterizations carried out on the fibers using Fourier infrared spectroscopy, crystallinity index using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are all in agreement with the results achieved. Overall, the hybrid treatment suggests a sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment method that ensures durability hemp fiber for reinforcement of cement composite.