Durabilità, in ambiente fortemente basico, delle fibre di PET provenienti dalla raccolta differenziata

This study concerns the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, produced by cutting bottles, to reinforce concretes, for structural use too. It describes the geometry of the fibers used in the research and investigates their durability in a basic environment. Groups of fibers have been exposed (13 days, 65°C) to two alkaline environments: a solution 0,103 M NaOH and a solution 1,75 M NaOH. The durability of the fibers has been evalueted by comparing the surface aspect (observed by SEM), the geometry and weight, the mechanical properties of the tested fibers with fibers immersed (13 days, 65°C) in distilled water and with not tested fibers. The results show good endurance characteristics of PET fibers exposed for 13 days at 65°C to the solution 0,103 M NaOH (pH=13).