In this work, we developed a new composite material using as a matrix of cement
mortar reinforced with sisal fibers to 1% by weight, which were manually cut into
lengths of 15 mm and 25 mm used without surface treatment using the
lowest possible level of technological processes in manufacturing steps. The
research was conducted to study the mechanisms of failure of this new material. The
composites were produced with manual molding using immersion vibrator for better
densification. Specimens were fabricated of the pure base and with the composites
with sisal fiber, with pre-defined slots of 1.7 mm, 3,0 mm and 5,0 mm. The
mechanical properties were evaluated by a bending test at three points and
correlated with the fractographic appearance made in the Scanning Electron
Microscope. The results showed that the presence of sisal fibers, embedded in
cement paste,plastic shrinkage caused restriction of fresh mixture, possibly due to
high water absorption capacity of fibrous reinforcement, an increase in mechanical
strength and increased toughness of the composite over the base between the series
of notches, decreasing the tendency to sudden fracture.
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