Investigation on Dispersion and Mixing Method of PVA Fibers with Cement Paste

Flexural strength of fiber paste/mortar greatly depends upon the dispersion and coating condition of fibers. Attempts were made for the dispersing of thin and short Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers [1] and mixing method of fiber paste. It was found that the dispersing effect of fibers were better in air pressure. The fiber paste mixed in chopper mixer revealed 27 % increase in flexural strength than that mixed in conventional mortar mixer. Pre-dispersed fibers, with air pressure, used in chopper mixer resulted in 34 % increase. Compressive strengths of later two cases were slightly increased in same range than that in mortar mixer.