Effect of the Use of Autoclave on Mechanical Behavior of the Bio-Construction Materials

Abstract

The paper discusses the use of autoclave as a method for increasing the compressive strength of bio-construction materials. Hemp fibers were mixed with three different binders, lime and silica fume mix (CaO/SiO2 = 1), cement and silica fume mix (CaO/SiO2 = 0.96) and cement, silica fume and lime mix (CaO/SiO2 = 0.95). Three autoclaved temperatures were used (110°C, 130°C and 180°C).

The results showed a significant increase of the compressive strength for autoclaved samples. The highest strength obtained for autoclaved mix was at 110°C. The compressive strength of lime mix was multiplied with 9 (0.5MPa to 4.4MPa). While the cement and silica fume have been increased from 0.8MPa to 1.5MPa once the samples were autoclaved at 110°C.