Hygrothermal characterization of a new bio-based construction material: Concrete reinforced with date palm fibers

Hygrothermal behavior of a new building material, composed of cement, sand and date palm fibers was investigated in the present work. In a first part, the sorption-desorption isotherms and the hysteresis effect were characterized under static conditions, and collected results revealed a high hydric capacity of this Date Palm Cement (DPC) mortar. In addition, the GAB model (Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer) was successfully applied to describe the experimental sorption isotherm curve. In a second step, the moisture buffer value and the effect of temperature on successive adsorption/desorption cycles were assessed under dynamical conditions. It was found that the sorption process is highly affected by temperature. Finally, this bio-based mortar was classified as hygroscopic and breathable material with excellent moisture buffering capacity.