Enhancing the usability of electronic waste fibers in high-performance self-compacting mortar incorporating corn cob ash and silica fume: Fresh and hardened properties

• Published in: Construction & building materials Vol. 416; p. 135194
• Main Authors: Jittamaro, Pichthida, Maho, Buchit, Pongsopha, Phattharachai, Nicomrat, Duongruitai, Jamnam, Sittisak, Makul, Natt, Sua-iam, Gritsada
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 16.02.2024
• Subjects: Corn cob ash; Durability; Electronic waste fiber; High-performance self-compacting mortar; Recycled materials; High-performance self-compacting mortar; Recycled materials; Durability; Electronic waste fiber; Corn cob ash
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135194

In the pursuit of sustainable construction materials, incorporating electronic waste (E-waste) fibers into self-compacting mortar (SCM) mixtures offers a promising avenue. This study investigates the effects of varying E-waste fiber content, ranging from 5% to 25% by volume, in combination with cement replacements such as corn cob ash and silica fume, on the properties of SCMs. A comprehensive analysis encompassing workability, mechanical properties, durability, microstructure, and chemical resistance provides insight into the potential of E-waste fibers. The inclusion of E-waste fibers, specifically at lower levels of 5% and 10%, had a beneficial effect on the workability of the SCM mixes. According to the findings of flow time tests carried out using the mini-slump and mini-V-funnel apparatus, the addition of a superplasticizer is responsible for the improved performance. Nevertheless, an increase in fiber content (15%, 20%, and 25%) necessitates a higher dosage of superplasticizer, which adversely affects the stability and cohesion of the fresh SCM mixes. The mechanical properties revealed a fascinating trend, with E-waste fibers enhancing compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at early and long-term curing ages. The mix with 5% fiber content, hereafter referred to as the E5 mix, demonstrated a compressive strength of 55.8 MPa at 91 days, indicating the positive effect of the fiber on strength. However, a higher fiber content gradually reduced these properties. The durability aspects indicated that lower fiber content in E-waste positively influenced water absorption and electrical resistivity properties. However, challenges emerged concerning chemical resistance as mass loss from exposure to sulfuric acid increased with higher E-waste fiber content. This observation indicated potential reduced resistance to chemical attack in highly fiber-reinforced SCMs. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing SCM compositions in sustainable construction practices, considering the interplay between E-waste fibers and other cement replacement materials. Future research may focus on refining the synergy between these components to maximize their advantages effectively. •The E-waste fiber’s impact on sustainable self-compacting mortar, incorporated corn cob ash and silica fume, were explored.•All mixtures incorporating E-waste fibers exhibited workability values that conformed to the specified minimum requirements.•A low content of E-waste fibers generally enhances compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and UPV.•EE-waste fibers positively influenced the durability properties of self-compacting cement mortar.•These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing SCM compositions in sustainable construction practices.