Structural properties of sepiolite-reinforced cement composite

The structural properties and optimum blend ratios of sepiolite-reinforced cement composites are investigated. It is shown that the addition of 10% sepiolite (a natural clay mineral) fibers enhances the mechanical and physical properties of the mortar. In comparison to the ordinary Portland cement mix, improvements of 3.5%, 6.2% and 7.7% in compressive strength and 12.7%, 5.7% and 6.3% in bending strength values were respectively obtained for 2, 7 and 28 days. Based on the scanning electron microscope pictures, this enhancement is attributed to the modification of the rheology of the mortar through sepiolite fibers inducing a network structure within the cement matrix.