The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of accelerated carbonation on the physical characteristics and mechanical performance of cement composites reinforced with high-content cellulose pulps. The fiber-cement composites were produced in the laboratory through the slurry dewatering and pressing technique, and accelerated carbonation was applied in different curing stages. The microstructure characteristics were investigated using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and X-Ray diffraction. Results showed that the accelerated carbonation in the first days of curing improved the mechanical performance and fiber-matrix interface. The accelerated carbonation decreased the portlandite [Ca(OH)2] content and increased the calcite [CaCO3] content, which is the main compound produced by the carbonation process. As a result, the alkalinity of the cement matrix decreased, which can favor the durability of the cellulosic fibers that have been recognized as an alternative for mineral and synthetic fibers, and may contribute to the sustainable development in construction materials technology.
Fiber-cement; Durability; Cellulosic pulp; Accelerated carbonation
