Multiscale investigation of tensile properties of a TiO 2 -doped Engineered Cementitious Composite

Mingfeng Xu, Yi Bao, Kai Wu, Huisheng Shi, Xiaolu Guo, Victor C. Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) provides a unique platform to develop high-performance and multifunctional construction materials with strain-hardening properties and exceptional crack control capability. ECC incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles has intrinsically embodied photocatalytic properties, such as air-purifying functionality. However, there remains a lack of fundamental knowledge on how the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles affects fiber/matrix interface and macro tensile properties of ECC. There is a need to establish a holistic understanding of the role of TiO 2 nanoparticles in ECC at multiple scales. To this end, this study experimentally investigates the effect of TiO 2 content (up to 15% of binder) on the fiber/matrix interface and on the tensile properties of ECC. A micromechanical model is used to link the multiscale material properties and interpret the test data of the TiO 2 -doped ECC. Results show that changes in the macroscopic tensile properties as a result of TiO 2 addition can be traced back to the matrix and fiber/matrix interface properties. The research findings provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of tensile property modifications by TiO 2 nanoparticles, as well as establishing a reference for the design of photocatalytic ECC for balanced functional and mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)485-491
Number of pages7
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume209
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jun 2019

Keywords

  • Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)
  • Fiber/matrix interface
  • Micromechanical modeling
  • Tensile properties
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO ) nanoparticles

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