Properties of Latex Polymer Modified Mortars Reinforced with Waste Bamboo Fibers from Construction Waste

Banjo Akinyemi,Temidayo Omoniyi

doi:10.3390/buildings8110149

Abstract

This study evaluated the properties of latex modified cement mortars from ordinary paints which were reinforced with treated bamboo fibers from construction waste. Fiber variations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% at 10% of the weight of cement were utilized. Mechanical properties were determined according to standards; similarly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to analyze the microstructural and elemental properties of the samples. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 1.5% bamboo fibers and 10% latex solution produced excellent mechanical properties. This was as a result of improved fiber adhesion to the matrix through pre-treatment, coupled with the contributed high strength from the latex paint modified mortars. The micrograph showed that latex precipitated in the voids and on the surface of the bamboo fibers as well as gels of calcium silicate hydrates which contributed to the observed improvement in strength of the tested samples.

Highlights

Some of the potential deficiencies of cement mortar include poor tensile strength, high porosity, crack formation, poor impact strength, water permeability and low chemical resistance [1,2,3]
This is achieved by creating a synergetic interaction between the cement matrix and polymers to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer composite material that is formed
This modification changes the properties of fresh mortar by improving workability and retardation of cement hydration which gives a good performance to the mortar in its hardened form [5]

Summary

Introduction

Some of the potential deficiencies of cement mortar include poor tensile strength, high porosity, crack formation, poor impact strength, water permeability and low chemical resistance [1,2,3]. Polymer modification has been used as a technique to overcome some of these shortcomings in conventional mortar for close to 80 years [4]. This is achieved by creating a synergetic interaction between the cement matrix and polymers to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer composite material that is formed. This modification changes the properties of fresh mortar by improving workability and retardation of cement hydration which gives a good performance to the mortar in its hardened form [5].

Methods

Results

Conclusion