Manufacturing nano novel composites using sugarcane and eggshell as an alternative for producing nano green mortar.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of incorporating two different types of green nanomaterials (sugarcane and eggshell) on destructive and non-destructive properties of mortar. Nano sugarcane (NSC) was manufactured by calcining sugarcane at temperatures of 600°C for 3h. On the other hand, nano eggshell (NES) was manufactured by calcining eggshell at temperatures of 600°C for 6h. The sugarcane ash and eggshell ash were then milled to nano size. The final nano-sized product replaced Portland cement with different dosages of 2, 4 and 6%. Sixteen mortar mixtures were designed and prepared using only NSC or only NES or a combined hybrid of NSC and NES. Consistency, compressive strength, flexural strength and microstructure analysis (scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray) tests were conducted to investigate the influence of replacement materials on the performance and properties of mortars. The results showed that the use of nano sugarcane and nano eggshell enhanced the compressive strength and reduced permeability of green mortar due to the micropore structure. At the ages of 7 and 28days, mortars containing a replacement ratio of 2% (0.5% NSC + 1.5% NES) had remarkably improved mechanical properties, and the improvement in compressive strength reached 21.3% and flexural strength to 10.08% when compared to the control sample. The efficiency of NSC and NES in increasing mortar strength was also confirmed by microstructure analysis.