Investigation of the Carbonation Behavior of Cement Mortar Containing Interior Stone Sludge and Recycled Mask Fibers

This study examines the carbonation and mechanical behavior of cement mortar incorporating artificial interior stone (AIS) sludge and recycled mask fibers (RMFs). Sludge, derived from AIS waste, replaced 30 wt.% of fine aggregate, while RMF from polypropylene masks was added at 0-1 wt.% of cement. Specimens were cured under normal and carbonation conditions (10% CO₂, 25 °C, 60% RH) for 7 and 28 days. Carbonation curing improved compressive and flexural strengths by up to 28% and 88%, respectively, and enhanced microstructural densification. Although the incorporation of AIS sludge reduced compressive strength due to its inert and irregular particle characteristics, it effectively refined the pore structure and decreased overall porosity. The inclusion of RMF at moderate contents (0.25-0.5 wt.%) improved crack resistance and lowered thermal conductivity, demonstrating a favorable balance between strength and thermal performance. TGA/DTG results confirmed increased CaCO₃ formation and greater CO₂ uptake. After exposure to 500 °C, carbonation-cured mortars retained higher residual strength, indicating superior thermal stability.