Biocomposite in Cement Mortar

The circular economy is becoming an increasingly important part of development strategies in various sectors, as it responds to critical challenges related to environmental protection, the rational use of natural resources and sustainable development. The transition from a linear to a circular model requires changes on many levels, both technological and social. In the circular model, it is crucial to design products with a view to their longer use and easier recycling and reuse. The aim of the research was to determine the physical and mechanical parameters of mortars with the addition of recycled material. The effect of the additive on the compres-sive and flexural strength, water absorption and capillary suction of mortars was inves-tigated. The rheological properties of mortars, i.e. consistency, bulk density and setting time, were also studied. The internal structure of the samples was examined using an industrial computer tomograph Nikon XT H 225 ST and the microstructure of the mortars was analysed. Thermal conductivity coefficients for mortars were estimated. The analysis of the conducted tests shows that the addition of recycled material affects the rheological properties of mortars, causing an increase in the flow of fresh mortars, an extension of the setting time and a reduction in bulk density. The recycled material affects the parameters of the hardened mortar, resulting in a reduction in compressive and flexural strength. The biocomponent causes the cement matrix to seal, resulting in a reduction in weight gain in the water absorption and capillary rise tests.