A Team of Undergraduates from Ningbo University of Finance and Economics Injects New Resilient Energy into Concrete

Published: 2025-12-09

Authors: Shi Wangying, Wu Siying, Lü Guoxi

Source: China Education News Network

In the materials laboratory of Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, bundles of seemingly ordinary white fibers are triggering a "silent revolution" in concrete performance. Developed by the university's "Science and Resilience Fiber" team, special polypropylene fibers, with three original patented technologies, have successfully overcome industry pain points such as low tensile strength, easy cracking, and poor corrosion resistance in concrete. This high-performance, cost-effective green solution injects new resilient energy into traditional building materials and also achieves high-value-added utilization of industrial by-products.

The easy cracking and insufficient durability of concrete have long plagued the construction industry, and the resource utilization of some industrial by-products has always been a focus of industry attention. The "Science and Resilience Fiber" team at Ningbo University of Finance and Economics accurately grasped this core need, combining fiber technology with concrete materials to fundamentally enhance the "toughness" of concrete. However, ordinary polypropylene fibers face three major bottlenecks in practical applications: uneven dispersion in concrete, making it difficult to form effective support; a smooth surface leading to weak adhesion to the cement matrix; and hydrophobic properties hindering cement hydration, affecting overall strength.

To overcome these challenges, the team conducted repeated experiments and achieved three key technological breakthroughs. They pioneered "polypropylene fiber orientation crystallization technology," which, through precise control of the cooling process, creates an ordered crystalline structure within the fiber, giving it a "directional feel" and ensuring uniform distribution and unidirectional alignment in concrete, significantly improving support efficiency. They also developed "polypropylene fiber corrosion technology," using gentle chemical etching to construct a nanoscale rough structure on the fiber surface, significantly increasing the contact area and mechanical interlocking force with cement, improving bond strength by over 30%. Finally, they independently developed "polypropylene fiber hydrophilic modified crosslinking agent," using silane coupling agents and acrylic resin as main components to form a strong hydrophilic film on the fiber surface, not only improving concrete workability but also increasing later-stage strength by approximately 15%.

The excellent data from the laboratory still needs to be tested in practice. Initially, engineers from building materials companies were hesitant about this technology developed by the student team. However, after the concrete incorporating special fibers was mixed, vibrated, molded, and cured, the demolded components exhibited a smooth surface and a dense internal structure. Standard testing results showed that early cracking of these components was effectively suppressed, and their compressive strength and durability exceeded design requirements.

Currently, this technology, based on three utility model patents, has moved from the laboratory to practical applications. It has been successfully tested in projects such as the reinforcement of university laboratory buildings and product upgrades for local building materials companies, receiving practical verification and high praise from multiple engineering units.

Since October 2024, the Baifeng Xinyi Civil Engineering Team of Beilun District, Ningbo City, has been testing this fiber in scenarios such as concrete structure reinforcement, green slope protection, and pipeline backfilling, incorporating it at a volume ratio of 0.5% into concrete or mortar. Practice has proven that the incidence of concrete cracking is reduced by 30% compared to traditional materials, and the structural lifespan is expected to be extended by more than 15%.

From tackling technical challenges in the laboratory to practical testing on engineering sites, students from Ningbo University of Finance and Economics have solved major industry problems through "micro-innovations." They have not only provided a new technical path to improve concrete performance but also contributed university wisdom to the green and sustainable development of the building materials industry by reducing building maintenance costs and extending structural lifespan.

(China Education Daily - China Education News Network Reporter Shi Wangying, Correspondent Wu Siying, Lü Guoxi)