Rapid Setting of Cement Based Mineral-Impregnated Carbon-Fiber (MCF) Reinforcements by Defined Thermal Activation

Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has emerged as valuable and high-performance construction material. However, modern polymer-based textiles often encounter issues due to poor compatibility with concrete and inadequate temperature resistance. Mineral-impregnated carbon-fiber (MCF) reinforcement represent an innovative class that integrates high-performance fibers with robust inorganic matrix materials. This approach offers numerous advantages, including superior temperature resistance, cost-effectiveness, compatibility with cementitious substrates and technological flexibility in production and application. Before entering key markets, the challenge related to the lengthy hydration time required for cementitious materials to attain sufficient strength hinders economic production and flexible applications. To address this concerns and pave the way for commercialization, the present work focuses on the development of a quick and cost-effective curing methodology for cement-based MCF. Engineering with automated inline processing, low temperature activation was exploited in the curing process to expedite functional robustness within the initial few hours. Mechanical evaluation showcased the advancement in the strength evolution of as-produced MCFs with extended curing at 40 ℃ and 60 ℃. By adjusting curing parameters, exceptional early-age strengths can be achieved for MCFs, making them promising candidates for conventional polymer-impregnated composites.