Properties of cement mortars containing clinoptilolite as a supplementary cementitious material
The research paper investigates the properties and performance of cement mortars that incorporate clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, as a supplementary cementitious material. Six mortar mixtures were created by replacing Portland cement with clinoptilolite at varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% by weight). The study found that increasing the clinoptilolite content led to higher water demand, soundness, and setting times for the cement pastes. However, the compressive and flexural strengths of the mortars containing clinoptilolite were generally superior to those of the control mixture. The incorporation of clinoptilolite also resulted in lower dry unit weight, reduced water absorption, and porosity, enhancing the durability of the mortars against carbonation and freeze-thaw cycles. The study highlighted that mortars with 5% clinoptilolite exhibited the best freeze-thaw resistance, while higher percentages led to a decrease in strength after such cycles. The effects of high temperatures on the mortars were also examined, revealing that the residual strength of mortars with clinoptilolite was higher than that of the control mortar after exposure to elevated temperatures. The findings suggest that clinoptilolite can effectively enhance the mechanical properties and durability of cement mortars, making it a valuable additive in construction materials.
This research paper is significant in the field of civil engineering and materials science, particularly in the context of sustainable construction practices. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about reducing the environmental impact of cement production, which is a major source of CO2 emissions. By exploring the use of clinoptilolite, a natural and abundant material, the research offers insights into alternative methods for improving the performance of cement-based materials. The findings can benefit engineers and construction professionals by providing evidence of the advantages of using supplementary cementitious materials to enhance the durability and strength of mortars, potentially leading to more sustainable building practices.
