Investigation of the performance of natural molasses on physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar

Abstract

This paper compares the performance of natural molasses (NM) and superplasticizer (SP) on the properties of cement mortar. The base mortar with a w/c ratio of 0.50 and a unit water content of 220 kg/m3 was used in this experimental work. The different percentages of NM and SP (by weight of cement) were used to assess the physical and mechanical properties of the cement mortar. Test results showed that NM was a better retarder, milder plasticizer, and has stronger viscosity-enhancing capacity than SP. The optimum content of NM was 87% less than SP. A similar compressive strength was obtained with the optimum content of NM and SP. However, the splitting tensile strength with NM was more than that with SP. NM helps to reduce the cement. It produces cheaper green concrete to support the development of sustainable infrastructures. The effect of NM on durability properties is yet to be studied.

Keywords

• Natural molasses
• Workability
• Compressive strength
• Splitting tensile strength
• Green concrete
• Sustainable development