ABSTRACT
White mica flakes with high aspect ratio were used as reinforcement for Portland cement paste. Mica reinforced cement (MRC) specimens were produced by using ‘vacuum–dewatering and pressing’ method. It was found that the orientation of mica flakes has great influence on flexural strength and toughness of MRC. In order to fully utilize the reinforcing effect of mica flakes, they should be distributed in two dimensions in MRC. An optimum volume fraction of mica flake exists corresponding to the maximum flexural strength and toughness of MRC. There is an optimum compaction pressure in pressing the vacuum dewatered MRC. In order to improve the interfacial bond between mica flake and cement matrix, three different means were tested: addition of polymer emulsion, mica flake surface treatment with hydrofluoric acid and mica flake surface treatment with coupling agent. By comparison, the first means gave the best effect. Based on the above tests, the function of white mica flake, the mica flake—cement matrix interface and the failure mode of MRC have been discussed.
