Development of Biodegradable and Recyclable FRLM Composites Incorporating Cork Aggregates for Sustainable...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Construction
• Building Physics

Background:

• Growing demand for energy efficiency in buildings necessitates sustainable construction materials.
• Natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars offer breathability but require optimization for mechanical and hygroscopic properties.
• Lightweight aggregates can enhance mortar performance and reduce environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of cork granules (Quercus suber) as lightweight aggregates in NHL-based mortars.
• To optimize mechanical and hygroscopic properties of mortars reinforced with basalt fabric and cork.
• To evaluate the adhesion characteristics of these composite materials on tuff and clay brick substrates.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of six mortar mixtures with varying cork percentages (0-3%) using NHL and basalt fabric.
• Micro-computed tomography for mixture homogeneity assessment.
• Flow tests for workability, water absorption, compressive strength, and pull-off tests for adhesion evaluation.

Main Results:

• Cork incorporation influenced mortar homogeneity and workability.
• Cork-modified mortars demonstrated improved hygroscopic performance and sufficient compressive strength.
• Surface roughness was identified as a critical factor, with rougher surfaces significantly enhancing bond strength to tuff and clay bricks.

Conclusions:

• Cork-modified mortars reinforced with basalt fabric present a viable sustainable construction material.
• These composites achieve a balance of improved hygroscopic behavior, adequate mechanical properties, and strong surface adhesion.
• The findings support the use of cork as a lightweight aggregate for developing eco-friendly and high-performance building materials.