Effect of styrene–butadiene latex on the bond performance of macro synthetic fiber in micro jute/macro synthetic hybrid fiber‐reinforced latex‐modified cement‐based composites

This study evaluated the effect of latex content on the pullout behavior of macro synthetic fiber in hybrid fiber‐reinforced latex‐modified cement‐based composites (HFLMCCs). A bond‐strength test which utilized dog‐bone‐shaped test specimens was used to determine the pullout behavior. Micro jute fiber was incorporated at 9.00 kg/m 3 and macro synthetic fiber at 0.45 kg/m 3 . Latex was added at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of the binder weight (wt %). Pullout tests showed that latex increased the area of the debonded zone of the pullout load–displacement curve. Bond strength increased with latex content up to 15% in HFLMCCs and decreased when the latex content reached 20%. The interface toughness increased until the latex content reached 20% and decreased when the latex content was 25%. These results were confirmed by microstructural analysis of the macro synthetic fiber surface, which showed that the number of scratches increased due to friction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci, 2013