Enhancing clay mortars’ properties

Author(s): A. Karozou, M. Stefanidou
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 5th Historic Mortars Conference
Editor(s): José Ignacio Álvarez, José María Fernández, Íńigo Navarro, Adrián Durán, Rafael Sirera
ISBN: 978-2-35158-221-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-222-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 132-143
Total Pages: 11
Language : English

Abstract: In an effort to find ways to improve the inherent weaknesses of clay-based materials in an efficient and compatible way, this study examines the effect of metakaolin and nanoparticles on the properties of clay mortars. The clay binder used (which is rich in lime by nature) was partially replaced by 10 and 20% w/w of metakaolin, while nanoparticles were also used as to act synergistically on the properties of the mortars. The nanoparticles used as additives were a combination of nano-silica and nano-alumina in percentage of 1 and 0.5% w/w of binder respectively. All specimens were cured in air conditions at 25oC, while the experiments were conducted after a curing period of 28 days. The fresh and hardened properties of these mixtures are reported, including workability, compressive and flexural strength, capillary absorption, volume stability and porosity, while all the samples were examined microscopically. The results indicate the positive effect in terms of microstructure for the case of 10% metakaolin replacement with a 13.72% improvement in volume loss, while the use of nanoparticles also contributed to the stabilization of clay mortars. The slow hardening effect of metakaolin on cement mortars, was also reported in the case of clay mortars as far as the mechanical test results are concerned. The compatibility of the materials used was on the benefit of their properties.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00