Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar using Plastic Waste-Coated Coarse Palm Oil Fuel Ash Replaced Fine Aggregate

Abstract

This study examines the properties of mortars containing coarse palm oil fuel ash with a plastic coating instead of sand. The properties investigated include the compressive strength of the mortar and its water absorption capacity. In addition, the effects of the water absorption of coated coarse palm oil fuel ash with different ratios and the effects of water absorption on the compressive strength of the mortar were investigated. The water-to-binder ratio used in mortar casting is based on the increased table flow rate of 110 ± 5% of the original diameter. Coarse palm oil fuel ash coatings with a plastic weight ratio of 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10%. The coated samples were tested for water absorption. The coarse palm oil fuel ash was then mixed in various ratios to form 5x5x5 cm cubic mortar samples. The samples were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days to allow the hydration reaction to be completed before compressive strength testing. When testing the water absorption capacity, it was found that the higher the percentage of plastic in relation to the weight of the coarse palm oil fuel ash, the lower the water absorption. However, when compared with the results of the compressive strength test, it was found that the mortar achieved the highest compressive strength at a plastic content of 9 of the coarse palm oil fuel ash weight, although still less than the control mortar. At 10% plastic content of the coarse palm oil fuel ash weight, the compressive strength began to decrease, possibly due to the excessive plastic content.