Enhancement of mechanical properties of concrete using microwave cured bamboo composites

Microwave curing of bamboo fiber increases the physical and mechanical qualities of cement concrete, according to previous studies. However, there are limited research on their endurance when used as an additive in concrete manufacturing to increase strength. The impact of bamboo fiber and Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) on the mechanical and microstructure of the resulting concrete is investigated in this study. With the inclusion of bamboo fiber ranging from 0-1.5%, a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 was used. To make the samples, 10% SBR by weight of cement was dissolved in the mixing water. The batching was done by weight, with a water cement ratio of 0.6. Compressive strength, water absorption, swelling, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were all studied as mechanical properties. Various characterization tests such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and TGA were performed on the microstructure, crystalline nature, and mineral composition of certain samples. According to the FTIR study’s findings, peak levels were detected in the O-H stretching, C-H fiber and CH2 functional groups, carbonyl group, C-O and C-C functional groups. As the temperature climbed, TGA measurements showed a drop in weight. The XRD test revealed peak levels of 6.611, 4.255, and 3.855 for sanidine, quartz, and calcite, respectively. After 28 days, the inclusion of bamboo fibers as an additive in concrete shows some promising outcomes in compressive strength, with samples containing 1% and 1.5% bamboo fiber cured at 80C having a higher compressive strength value.