Sustainable Approach of Using Arundo donax Leaves Reinforced Cement Mortar/Fly Bottom Ash Composites

Abstract

Earlier research suggested using ash to substitute cement, whereas other studies looked at the possibility of using plant-derived agricultural wastes as fiber reinforcement in cement applications. This study offered an environmentally friendly option to change traditional mortars by replacing cement with fly bottom ash (FBA) waste at 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %. Likewise, Arundo donax leaves (ADL) were employed to reinforce the modified cement mortars at 0.4, 2, 5, and 7 wt %. X-ray diffraction analysis of used materials was performed. The morphology of composites made with FBA and ADL was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the density, water uptake, thermal conductivity, energy gain, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the prepared composites were discussed. Their flexural strength, compressive strength, and displacement were also compared. Results revealed that the addition of FBA in the mortar matrix has a positive effect on decreasing the thermal conductivity and lightness of the mortar. In addition, 20 wt % of cement replacement by FBA guarantees simultaneously moderate mechanical properties, nearly 51% of energy gain, and 20% of total CO2 emission reduction. In the same, adding ADL to the 20wt %FBA mortar reduced the thermal conductivity and the lightness of the mortar. The 0.4 wt % ADL reinforcement ensured 59% energy gain and 6% of total CO2 emission reduction. A major amelioration was observed in the compressive strength (an increase of 14%) and in the plasticity (an increase of 27%) of the considered composite materials. In conclusion, using FBA as a cement replacement with low ADL content inclusion results in a thermal-resistant composite with reasonable durability and strength.

Recycling of Egyptian Shammi Corn Stalks for Maintaining Sustainable Cement Industry: Scoring on Sustainable Development Goals

“…The FS for the CEMA10 sample was lower than that for CEMA0 by 2.5%, 11.2%, and 16.1% at 2, 7, and 28 days, respectively. A comparable pattern was noticed when the agricultural waste ash substitution for cement exceeded 10%, where the FS flexural strength decreased due to the high porosity of the ash in the cement mixes [2].…”

“…The escalating demand for cement-based materials in the wake of rapid urbanization and infrastructural development has increased cement consumption and production worldwide [1]. However, the cement-manufacturing industries are considered the primary contributors to global warming, accounting for approximately 8% of worldwide anthropogenic CO 2 emissions [2]. As such, large amounts of CO 2 are emitted during material transportation, grinding, and crushing, lime production, fuel consumption, and the calcination of limestone [3].…”

“…For example, this approach tends to provide environmental sustainability due to the diversion of agricultural waste from landfilling and unplanned dumping, as well as the reduction of CO 2 emissions in cement production [13]. This strategy poses a high positive influence on human health, promoting the social acceptance of crop waste recycling in the industrial sector [2]. Employing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools could assist decision-makers in considering the sustainability, affordability, reliability, and functionality of cement-manufacturing systems [19].…”

Assessment of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bricks based on Clay and Stabilized with Reed Fibers from the Drâa-Tafilalet Region

“…Eslami, A. et All [12] explored palm fibers to enhance traditional adobe bricks, with varying optimal contents for different properties. In the research conducted by Hachem, H et All [13], they explored the use of fly bottom ash (FBA) waste and Arundo donax leaves (ADL) as alternatives to cement in mortar composites, with the goal of creating more sustainable building materials. They found that FBA reduced density and thermal conductivity while increasing porosity and water absorption.…”