Effects of Wetting and Drying Cycles on Microstructure Change and Mechanical Properties of Coconut Fibre-Reinforced Mortar

Natural fibre-reinforced cementitious composites are commonly used as outer construction materials. They usually suffer weather a result of being expose to various types climates. In this study, series experimental tests were carried out investigate the deterioration mechanism and mechanical properties mortars incorporating coconut fibres due repeated wetting drying. The results indicated that although compressive strength was found increase after first cycle, both flexural strengths underwent significant decrease in fifth cycle. addition, at high temperatures, mortar matrixes retain their stable structure, according TGA analysis. When drying curing applied, there degradation mortar.