Okra (abelmoschus esculentus) extract natural polymer to increase compressive strength of cement mortar

Abstract

Mortars are used often in the construction sector due to their excellent performance in concrete, masonry, and plastering, yet, they can be fragile and brittle, leading to frequent cracking, especially when exposed to high temperatures. Previous studies have investigated plant-based natural polymer admixtures as an environmentally acceptable alternative to petroleum-based ones. Okra Extract natural polymer (OENP), which has a high viscosity and mucoadhesive properties, was a possible source of natural polymer. Studying how OENP affects cement mortar’s ability to withstand high temperatures ranging from 100°C to 250°C was the overall goal of this investigation. The specific objective was to identify any interactions between OENP and Temperatures. Also, find a significant difference in the compressive strength of specimens with and without OENP. The process required the fabrication of several samples of cement mortars with ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:40) of OENP as retarding additive. The researchers measured the compressive strengths of specimens after exposure at temperatures 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, and 250°C. The findings demonstrated that using OENP as retarding admixture increased the density and compressive strength of cement mortar subjected to temperatures. The finding suggested that the ideal ratio of OENP was 1:20. The result showed that incorporating OENP in cement mortar exposed to temperature, specifically 1:20 OENP, can be used as an excellent environmentally friendly additive. This study contributes to the Development of sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction materials.