Natural Fibers as an Alternative to Synthetic Fibers in Reinforcement of Geopolymer Matrices: A Comparative Review

Geopolymer materials have been gaining ground in the civil construction sector not only for having superior physical properties when compared to conventional cement, but also for being less harmful to the environment, since the synthesis of the geopolymer does not release toxic gases or require high energy costs. On the other hand, geopolymer materials like cementitious matrices have low flexural strength and have fragile breakage. To overcome these deficiencies, the insertion of fibers in geopolymeric matrices has been evaluated as a solution. Although most research on this practice focuses on the use of synthetic fibers, the use of natural fibers has been growing and brings as an advantage the possibility of producing an even more ecological material, satisfying the need to create eco-friendly materials that exists today in society. Thus, this paper aimed to, through the evaluation of research available in the literature, understand the behavior of fibers in geopolymer matrices, identify similarities and differences between the performance of geopolymer composites reinforced with natural and synthetic fibers and, understanding that it is possible, point out ways to optimize the performance of these composites.