Abstract
The application of cement in various fields of construction makes it a
very important engineering material. However, it is very expensive and
releases carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is
crucial to find cheap and environmentally friendly alternatives to
cement. Waste paper pulp ash (WPPA) was found to be one of the most
mature cement substitute materials. In this work, the physical and
mechanical properties of cement mortar with WPPA as partial replacement
of cement were experimentally studied to ensure that the resulting mixes
has appropriate mechanical properties. Cement mixes containing various
percentage replacements of WPPA (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) were
prepared, and basic properties such as compressive strength, flexural
strength, shear bond strength, efflorescence and water absorption were
determined and compared with the control mix (0%). The basic mechanical
properties of cement mortar containing WPPA are enhanced until the
percentage of WPPA reaches 10%. However, a further percentage of WPPA
substitution causes the mechanical strength of the mortar to decrease.
It is found that the optimal level of WPPA as a cement substitute is
5%. Although the physical properties of WPPA blended paste are improved
with the increase of WPPA percentage. Our research provides a typical
example of how the use of cement mortar containing WPPA can aid to the
development of building materials. In addition to having better
mechanical strength, cement-WPPA mixed mortar is a cost effective and
environmentally friendly material.