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Cited by 2Innovative concrete reinforcement materialsConcrete and Cement Materials ResearchNatural Fiber Reinforced Composites

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Performance of geopolymer composites reinforced with treated date palm and polypropylene fibers

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Briki, Leila, Kessal, Oussama, Belkadi, Ahmed Abderraouf, Alsuhaibani, Eyad, Douadi, Abdellah, Bamaga, S. O.·2026·Scientific Reports
DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-50457-7PMC PMC13323998
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Abstract

This study investigates the synergistic mechanical and durability performance of slag-based geopolymer composites reinforced with alkali-treated date palm fibers (TDPF) and polypropylene fibers (PPF), with particular emphasis on interfacial behavior, pore structure evolution, and acid resistance. The novelty of this research lies in the combined microstructural-mechanical-durability assessment of treated agro-waste fibers directly compared with synthetic fibers under identical geopolymer conditions, including exposure to sulfuric acid. Fibers were incorporated at volume fractions of 0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.50%, with lengths of 6 mm and 12 mm. The optimal composition (0.50% TDPF, 12 mm) achieved a 22.8% increase in compressive strength at 28 days and a 19.1% increase at 90 days. Flexural strength improved by up to 29.9% at early age and remained enhanced (approximately 18-19%) at later ages. SEM-EDS and FTIR analyses confirmed improved fiber-matrix interaction and enhanced integration within the aluminosilicate network in TDPF composites. Water absorption and open porosity were influenced by fiber type and dosage; however, optimized long-fiber mixtures reduced pore connectivity despite the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers. After 15 days of exposure to 3.5% H₂SO₄ solution, fiber-reinforced composites maintained structural integrity, with strength degradation limited to approximately 9-10%, demonstrating stable chemical resistance. Overall, the results indicate that alkali-treated date palm fibers provide competitive mechanical performance while offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic reinforcement in geopolymer composites, thereby supporting low-carbon and circular construction strategies.

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References 6 · Cited by 2

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Metadata

Authors
Briki, L., Kessal, O., Belkadi, A. A., Alsuhaibani, E., Douadi, A., & Bamaga, S. O.
Affiliations
  • University Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi of Bordj Bou Arreridj (DZ)
  • Qassim University (SA)
  • University Ferhat Abbas of Setif (DZ)
  • University of Bisha (SA)
Corresponding author
Alsuhaibani, Eyad
ORCID
Venue
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2026-04-30
Volume
16
Issue
1
ISSN
2045-2322 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1038/s41598-026-50457-7
PMC
PMC13323998
OpenAlex
W7159575126
Cited by
2
References
6
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
3.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Scientific Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Qassim University (QU- APC-2026)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Innovative concrete reinforcement materials
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Concrete and Cement Materials Research
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
Keywords
geopolymer composites, date palm fiber, polypropylene fibers, alkali treatment, slag-based geopolymer, fiber-matrix interface, compressive strength, flexural strength, pore structure, water absorption, acid resistance, sulfuric acid exposure, natural fiber reinforcement, durability

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