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Abaca Fiber as a Retrofitting Material

Conference Paper · August 2018

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 ABACA FIBER WITH EPOXY AS A RETROFITTING MATERIAL
ROBERT R. DANCEL

PhD CE Student, De La Salle University, Taft Manila Philippines

Assistant Professor, Isabela State University Ilagan City, Isabela Philippines
E-mail: lecnad2000@yahoo.com

Abstract - This work deals with the investigation and viability of the composite abaca fiber and epoxy as a retrofitting
material. When uniaxially loaded concrete is restrained from dilating laterally, it exhibits increased strength and axial
deformation (De Lorenzis and Tepfers 2003). This behavior becomes useful for the strengthening of existing concrete
structures in which higher axial load capacities are required, or for improving the seismic performance of deficient concrete
structures. Confinement of axially loaded concrete members in existing structures is required when a change in use is
expected or when there is a need to upgrade the structure to meet current design standards. In addition, after unusual
overloading events (e.g., earthquakes), axially loaded members can suffer damage that increases the need of their retrofitting
by means of confinement.1
This study also realizes the abundance of locally available natural fiber abaca in addressing the need for new reinforcing
materials that are both cheap and environment-friendly. Abaca fiber is endemic in the Philippines and is considered as one of
the strongest natural fibers. In recent years, abaca has shown promise as an energy - saving replacement for glass fibers in
automobiles. For one, Mercedes- Benz is known to have used abaca fiber - reinforced polypropylene composite in
automobile body parts while Daimler Chrysler used them in under floor protection of passenger cars. Recently, the DOST-
ITDI developed a composite material that is a combination of abaca fibers and resin that can be used as roofing materials for
the driver’s seat and sidecar of tricycles. It is a good substitute material for metals like stainless steel, galvanized iron, and
others that are commonly used to make tricycle roofs and sidecars, and some automotive parts/components.2
To determine the viability of the composite as a retrofitting material, three variations of concrete specimens was compared to
the other specimens. Five samples for each three variation of cylindrical concrete specimens namely the plain concrete
cylinder specimen, the concrete cylinder specimen with epoxy and the concrete cylinder with the composite epoxy and abaca
fiber. The concrete samples were wiped with dry cloth prior to application of epoxy. The epoxy was mixed in equal ratio for
5 minutes. A first coating of 262 grams of epoxy is applied by putty blade to the concrete sample resulting in an
approximately 0.25 mm thick of epoxy. The fibers were then wound manually in a spiral manner in the concrete sample until
the sample is covered with the fibers and before the epoxy dries. Then another application of 262 grams of epoxy was
performed to sandwich the fibers between the layers of epoxy.The composite abaca fiber and epoxy was cured for 4 days
prior to testing. With single factor analysis of variance, results showed a significant increase in the compressive strength of
the samples with epoxy as compared to the plain concrete samples and the samples with the composite epoxy and abaca fiber
as compared with the samples with epoxy.

Indexterms - Abaca fiber; Epoxy; Composite; Retrofitting.

I. INTRODUCTION
When uniaxially loaded concrete is restrained from
dilating laterally, it exhibits increased strength and
axial deformation (De Lorenzis and Tepfers 2003).
This behavior becomes useful for the strengthening of
existing concrete structures in which higher axial load
capacities are required, or for improving the seismic
performance of deficient concrete structures.
Confinement of axially loaded concrete members in
existing structures is required when a change in use is
expected or when there is a need to upgrade the
structure to meet current design standards. In
addition, after unusual overloading events (e.g.,
earthquakes), axially loaded members can suffer
damage that increases the need of their retrofitting by
means of confinement. The study of fiber reinforced
cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites for
confinement of compression members has gained
attention in recent years due to the capability to
overcome some of the disadvantages associated with
more traditional strengthening techniques.1
The high price of synthetic fibers and the demands
for environment-friendly materials led to the search
for new reinforcing materials that are both cheap and
environment-friendly. The use of natural fiber in
composites does not only help reduce dependence on
non-renewable energy/material sources but also
lowers pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions,
enhances energy recovery, and end of life
biodegradability of components. The mechanical
properties of natural fiber composite can compete
with that of the synthetic with better fiber treatment
and appropriate processing technique.3
With ever growing awareness for environmental
conservation and sustainable development,
technology and development is inclined to go green.
Before, when we talk of technology and development
we mean machines with internal combustion engines
and factories with towering exhaust pipes. But now,
almost every effort for technology and development
is geared towards renewable source of energy and
utilization of renewable raw materials. Tropical
countries like the Philippines abound with fibrous
plants, some of which are agricultural crops.Abaca is
a bast fiber extracted from the stalk of the plant.5Bast
fibers are soft woody fibers, which are obtained from
stems or stalks of dicotyledonous plants. Currently

Proceedings of Researchfora International Conference, Manila, Philippines, 27th-28th August 2018

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 Abaca Fiber with Epoxy as a Retrofitting Material
bast fibers are raw materials not only used for the
textile industry but also for modern environmentally
friendly composites used in different areas of
applications like building materials, particle boards,
insulation boards, food, cosmetics, medicine and
source for other biopolymers etc.6
Abaca is similar to banana in appearance except that
the leaves are upright, pointed, narrower and more
tapered than the leaves of banana.3 Abaca also known
as Manila hemp is a Musasea family plant native to
Asia and planted in humid areas including in the
Philippines and East of Indonesia. Abaca fibers are
extensively used to produce ropes, woven fabrics, tea
bags, etc. It is also called biodegradable and
sustainable fiber. Abaca is considered the strongest of
natural fibers.5
Owing to the extremely high mechanical strength of
the fiber as well as its length, application of abaca
even in highly stressed components offers great
potential for different industrial applications. Given
its strong tensile strength it can also be used for
‘harder’ applications for exterior semi-structure
components as a substitute for glass fiber in
reinforced plastic components.Recently the DOST-
ITDI developed a composite material that is a
combination of abaca fibers and resin that can be
used as roofing materials for the driver’s seat and
sidecar of tricycles. It is a good substitute material for
metals like stainless steel, galvanized iron, and others
that are commonly used to make tricycle roofs and
sidecars, and some automotive parts/components. The
ITDI and KIMS researchers explored the use of
different abaca treatments, surface modification
techniques, and composite production technologies
(e.g. vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding) for
natural fiber reinforced-composite production. This
innovation provides opportunities to explore and
maximize the use of other locally abundant natural
fibers for composite fabrication that may yet
revitalize the local natural fiber industry. Increased
demand for abaca fiber composites can also provide
employment opportunities and improve the income of
abaca fiber producers.2
Abaca shows promise as an energy-saving
replacement for glass fibers in automobiles. Abaca
fiber composites are used extensively in automotive
industry. Mercedes Benz used abaca fiber reinforced
polypropylene composites in automobile body
parts.In 2005, Daimler - Chrysler used abaca fiber in
the exterior application of an under floor cover of
their cars.6The use of abaca fiber instead of glass
fiber reduces the weight of automotive parts, bringing
about 60% savings in energy and reduces CO2
emissions making it environment friendly. These
composites are also used in construction as well as
packaging industries (Girones et al., 2011).4
The study underlies the principle that “when
uniaxially loaded concrete is restrained from dilating
laterally, it exhibits increased strength and axial
deformation” (De Lorenzis and Tepfers 2003).1
Proceedings of Researchfora International Conference, Manila, Philippines, 27th-28th August 2018
2
1.1 Abaca Fiber
The components of natural fibers include cellulose,
hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, waxes and water soluble
substances.3The chemical composition of abaca fiber
is 76.6% cellulose, 14.6% hemicellulose, 8.4% lignin,
0.3% pectin and 0.1% wax and fat.5The percent
composition depends on the fiber source.3
Compared to synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon,
abaca fiber possesses higher tensile strength and
lower elongation in both wet and dry states.5Superior
mechanical properties are influenced by the nature of
fibers. Fibers with high crystallinity, high aspect ratio
i.e. length to diameter ratio and low microfibrillar
angle imparts superior properties (Kabir et al., 2011).4
1.2 Composite
Composite materials are a combination of two or
more structurally dissimilar materials acting in
harmony suitable for structural applications. The two
main components of a composite are matrix and
reinforcement. Reinforcing materials are strong while
the matrix is a tough material and maintains fiber
alignment. When composites are fabricated, they
combine the strength of reinforcement and toughness
of the matrix making them superior compared to any
of the conventional materials.4
In composites, load is applied on the matrix which
then transfers the load on to the fibers acting as
reinforcement. Fibers, being stronger and stiffer
increase the strength of the composites. Fiber
reinforcements enhance the mechanical properties
and hence these composites find varied applications
from aerospace industry, sports equipment and
automotive industry to biomedical applications. The
biggest advantage of these materials is that the
properties of the composites can be tailor made
depending on the specific purpose.4
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Materials
The abaca fibers used in this study were S2 graded
fibers from Bicol region of the Philippines. S2 is an
 Abaca Fiber with Epoxy as a Retrofitting Material

abaca fiber grade wherein the tensile strength of the III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
fiber ranges from 35 to 55 kilogram force per gram
meter, the stripping and texture is graded as excellent The table summarizes the corresponding compressive
and soft respectively.7 strengths of the cylindrical samples with the
Abaca fibers were further dried for one day under confining materials. There is approximately 7.65%
direct sunlight to remove water from the fiber. The increase in the compressive strength of the sample
abaca fibers used were 2 to 2.3 meters in length. The with epoxy as the confining material. An increase in
epoxy used is the Pioneer Adhesives All Purpose the compressive strength of approximately 16.71% is
Epoxy purchased from Republic Chemical Industries recorded with abaca fiber and epoxy as the confining
Inc. Philippines. material.
The concrete cylinder samples were 6 inches Single factor analysis of variance was used to analyze
diameter and 12 inches high.8 The proportioning of the results to deduce conclusions such as whether
cement, sand and gravel was 1, 1.5 and 3 respectively there is a significant increase in compressive strength
with a water - cement ratio of 0.5.9 The cement used in the cylindrical samples with the introduction of the
is Holcim Excel Portland Cement. Gravel is 3/4 inch composite abaca fiber and epoxy as a confining
crushed and the sand is of good quality free from material and the epoxy as a confining material. A
impurities in accordance to ASTM C33. The significant increase in the compressive strength with
compressive test is in accordance to ASTM C39. the addition of epoxy and the composite epoxy and
Actual slump ranges are 100 mm to 125 mm. abaca fiber as a confining material is resulted from
the computation.
2.2 Composite Application
The concrete samples were wiped with dry cloth
prior to application of epoxy. The epoxy was mixed
in equal ratio for 5 minutes. A first coating of 262
grams of epoxy is applied by putty blade to the
concrete sample resulting in an approximately 0.25
mm thick of epoxy. The fibers were then wound
manually in a spiral manner in the concrete sample
until the sample is covered with the fibers and before
the epoxy dries. Then another application of 262
grams of epoxy was performed to sandwich the fibers
between the layers of epoxy.

2.3 Mechanical Testing

There were 15 concrete samples in total, 5 plain
concrete samples, 5 concrete samples with two
coatings of 262 grams of epoxy and 5 concrete
samples with composite abaca fiber and epoxy. The
samples were tested after 4 days of epoxy application.
CONCLUSIONS

Data results showed a significant increase of

compressive strengths of the cylindrical samples with
the introduction of epoxy and the composite epoxy
and abaca fiber as a confining material.
Approximately 7.65% increase in compressive
strength was recorded for samples with epoxy as a
confining material and approximately 16.71% was
recorded in the samples with the composite epoxy
and abaca fiber. Research pertaining to the behavior
of the composite as a retrofitting material in the long
term is recommended as well as the composite’s
response to the elements.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author acknowledges the technical support of the

Department of Public Works and Highways at Ilagan
City, Isabela Philippines for the testing of samples.
Also the Isabela State University Ilagan City Campus

Proceedings of Researchfora International Conference, Manila, Philippines, 27th-28th August 2018

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 Abaca Fiber with Epoxy as a Retrofitting Material
for the equipment in the preparation of samples.
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