Author(s): HHM Darweesh

Abstract: The non-traditional materials as agrowastes like banana leaf ash (BLA) are leading to reduce carbon footprint, gas emissions and agrowaste generation. Hence, the current research article investigates the use of BLA as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in eco-friendly cement. On this basis, cement pastes were produced with a partial substitution of BLA by 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% at the expense of the OPC. The physical properties in terms of consistency, setting, bulk density and water absorption and total porosity as well as the mechanical properties in terms of compressive strength were studied. Results illustrated that the water of consistency and setting times (Initial and final) increased with the increase of BLA content. The bound water content and bulk density improved and enhanced only up to 12%, and then decreased with any further increase of BLA content. On contrast, total porosity decreased as the BLA content increased to 12%, and then increased with the increase of BLA. The free lime test indicated that the BLA could be reacted with evolved Ca (OH)2 fron the normal hydration of the silicate phases of the cement producing additional CSH, due to the pozzolanic potential of the used agrowaste material. This was reflected positively on the compressive strength. Therefore, the blended cement pastes containing 12% BLA had the best significant improvements in its performance and properties. Hence, it was selected as the optimum batch. The FT-IR spectra and SEM images proved that the free lime content gradually decreased with both the incorporation of BLA and time of hydration followed by the formation of additional CSH. This was reflected positively on the mechanical properties.

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