A geotechnical study coated sisal fibers with polyaniline to reduce moisture uptake and dimensional change. The coating increased hydrophobic behavior and moisture loss, yet coated fibers had lower interfacial shear strength than untreated fibers at optimum moisture after three days of curing.
Key findings
- A thin interfacial moisture layer may have reduced adhesion and mechanical interlock and promoted creep, lowering coated-fiber IFSS. Precompression raised IFSS in both groups, while faster moisture loss was consistent with polyaniline-induced hydrophobicity.
Why this matters globally
Natural fibers could lower the cost and footprint of ground improvement if moisture degradation is controlled. The work shows that surface design must balance water resistance with bond strength and that field compaction may be a key variable.
Thai researcher contribution
A researcher from KMITL's green and sustainable infrastructure center contributed to developing natural-fiber soil reinforcement relevant to humid environments.
Limitations to consider
Durability claims need long-term wet-dry cycling, biodegradation, and repeated-loading evidence. One soil, fiber geometry, concentration, and coating cannot represent other systems. Polyaniline cost and lifecycle impacts also require assessment.