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Tunning matrix rheology and mechanical performance of ultra-high performance concrete using cellulose nanofibers

Abstract With the growing demand for sustainability and rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocellulose materials extracted from natural plants have attracted great attention. The incorporation of nanocellulose materials leads to a change in viscosity and yield stress on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). Rheological parameters affect the mechanical strength and steel fiber distribution of UHPC significantly. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the matrix rheology within an appropriate range through nanocellulose materials. This study aims to propose a novel method to optimize steel fiber distribution and mechanical properties of UHPC by adjusting the matrix rheology with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) suspensions. The relationship among CNF concentration, steel fiber distribution, and the mechanical properties of UHPC was established. Test results showed that the failure mode of UHPC containing CNFs changed from single cracking to multiple cracking, accompanied by 11–23% enhancement in tensile strength. With the increase of CNF concentrations, the probability density distribution functions of steel fiber orientation showed the trend toward the distribution with a larger inclination. The addition of CNF suspensions effectively reduced the number of steel fibers settling to the bottom of the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that the nanoscale reinforcement by CNFs was conducive to improving the mechanical properties of UHPC.