FIBER TOUGHENING OF MDF CEMENT

The preparation of macro-defect-free (MDF) cements has recently been reported and the work presented here describes the preparation and the properties of fiber-reinforced MDF cement composites. The Young's modulus of elasticity and the strength of MDF cements are greatly improved and do not need fibrous reinforcement to show benefit. The main purpose of reinforcing MDF cement with fibers is to enhance toughness and impact performance. It is shown that small volume fractions of fiber in the MDF cement matrix produce composites with excellent toughness and impact properties.