Use of Pretreated Plastic Optical Fibers for Making Translucent Concrete-Based Architectural Panels

Abstract

The light-transmitting plastic optical fibers (POFs) were treated with hydrofluoric acid and characterized for their wettability, surface topography, loss in mechanical properties, and fiber–matrix adhesion. The fibers were treated for 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. As the fiber treatment time increased, the contact angle, tensile strength, and elongation decreased. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) images showed that the surface of the treated fibers was defluorinated and rough. The single fiber pullout test indicated an improvement of 35%–187% in the bond strength over the untreated POF. Treated POF and flowing white concrete were used to produce translucent concrete cubes and panels. The concrete that was made with treated POF exhibited 28% higher compressive strength than the untreated POF concrete. The light transmission of the translucent concrete was approximately 3% at a fiber spacing of 15 mm. The daylight illumination of the translucent concrete panel that was 600 × 300 × 50 mm was approximately 75 lux, which was equivalent to the visualizing effect according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Therefore, the translucent concrete could bear load, give an aesthetic appearance, and save energy. In addition, it could be used to make architectural panels and blocks for energy-efficient buildings. According to the findings of this research, translucent concrete could be used in the building for adequate translucency and structural use. One practical application is in building facades, where it could be used to create striking designs that incorporate natural light into the interior spaces and use less energy and artificial lighting. Translucent concrete could be utilized in interior design to create ornamental features that give the room a feeling of openness and lightness, such as flooring, walls, and partitions. It could be utilized in infrastructures to provide nighttime illumination for roads, driveways and pavements, and improve visibility and safety. Translucent concrete is a promising material for creative architectural and construction projects, because it combines aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and utility.