In an article published in Materials, a team of researchers investigated the effect of tapioca starch (TP) on the quality and performance of cement mortar. After incorporating TP, experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the mortar's flow characteristics, mechanical properties, and durability.
The concepts of repair and reinforcement have gained popularity as effective strategies to extend the service life of structures while minimizing environmental impact. However, only a limited range of repair materials have proven effective for use in aging concrete structures. Among these, inorganic cement mortar, which closely resembles the properties of the original concrete, is most commonly employed. leak plugging mortar
For successful repair of older structures, it is crucial to use materials that exhibit adhesion, contraction, and thermal expansion characteristics similar to the existing materials, ensuring effective integration. Moreover, these repair materials must offer high durability to significantly extend the lifespan of the structures.
TP, a powdered starch derived from the roots of cassava—a tropical plant commonly found in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa—has been recognized for its potential beyond the food industry. When processed and used as an additive in repair mortar, TP is known to enhance the performance of the mortar. However, its application as a repair mortar additive has largely been confined to Southeast Asia and surrounding regions. This study, therefore, aimed to develop a domestic repair mortar with improved flow, mechanical properties, and durability by incorporating TP as an additive.
As part of this study, a repair mortar was formulated using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with three varying TP content levels (0.025 %, 0.050 %, and 0.075 % of OPC mass). The impact of TP content on the mechanical properties of the mortar was then systematically analyzed through standard testing methods.
The flow of the mortar was measured to assess its workability and consistency. The setting time of the mortar was determined using the Vicat needle method. Additionally, the mortar's rheology was examined by comparing results from previous studies utilizing a mortar viscometer with a modified chamber size. The resulting plastic viscosity and yield stress were characterized using the Bingham model.
Beyond compressive and flexural strength assessments, the bond strength of the mortar was determined through the pull-off method. Length change measurements were also conducted to evaluate the drying shrinkage, which provides insights into the mortar's potential for cracking and its durability under dry conditions.
To further investigate the mortar's durability and long-term performance in challenging environments, its resistance to carbonation was assessed. Moreover, the mortar's ability to resist chloride ion penetration was tested in a 3 % NaCl solution, providing an understanding of its durability in environments prone to chloride exposure.
TP had a significant impact on several properties of the mortar. For example, as TP content increased, the plastic viscosity rose while the yield stress decreased, suggesting a reduction in workability. However, this lower yield stress could be advantageous in applications where initial flow is essential. This trade-off between viscosity and yield stress due to TP requires careful optimization to achieve the desired workability.
Interestingly, TP also delayed the mortar’s initial and final setting times by 10 to 15 minutes and 12 to 23 minutes, respectively. This extended setting time could be beneficial during construction by providing a longer working window.
At optimal TP content, the mortar showed improved strength at early ages of three and seven days while maintaining the required flow. Although the compressive strength of the mortar decreased slightly at a 0.075 % TP content, it still matched that of plain mortar.
Moreover, the compressive strength at 28 days remained unaffected by TP content. This suggests that TP enhances early strength by filling internal pores through a gelation effect, but does not impact long-term strength after 28 days. A similar pattern was observed for both flexural and bond strength. Overall, an optimal TP content improved the interfacial bond strength and absorption performance of the mortar by increasing viscosity.
The mortar containing TP also exhibited approximately 5% less shrinkage compared to plain mortar. The high swelling and absorption capacity of TP counteracted the shrinkage, with the expansion effect nearly doubling within the first three days and stabilizing after seven days.
Additionally, the fine TP particles enhanced the mortar’s carbonation resistance by effectively filling its pores. TP also reduced the chloride ion diffusion coefficient in the mortar by increasing the density of the internal matrix through its gelation properties.
In conclusion, the researchers thoroughly investigated the impact of TP on the quality, mechanical behavior, and fundamental properties of repair mortar. The results were noteworthy: the mortar's early compressive strength increased by up to 20 %, bond strength improved by approximately 60 %, and final shrinkage was reduced by 5 % at a 0.050 % TP content.
The acceleration of early strength development and the enhancement of bond strength were directly linked to the unique properties of TP. The reduction in shrinkage was attributed to TP's expandability, which effectively compensated for shrinkage stresses. These findings suggest that TP has the potential to significantly enhance mortar quality without sacrificing performance.
However, the high sensitivity of mortar properties to even small amounts of TP indicates the need for further research to determine the optimal TP content range for consistent mortar quality control. The data provided in this study offer valuable insights for the future application of TP in repair mortars and other construction materials, including concrete.
Jang, C.-H., Kim, Y.-J., & Oh, S.-R. (2024). Experimental Study on the Effects of Tapioca Starch on Cement Mortar Quality Improvement. Materials, 17(16), 3889. DOI: 10.3390/ma17163889, https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/16/3889
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.
Nidhi Dhull is a freelance scientific writer, editor, and reviewer with a PhD in Physics. Nidhi has an extensive research experience in material sciences. Her research has been mainly focused on biosensing applications of thin films. During her Ph.D., she developed a noninvasive immunosensor for cortisol hormone and a paper-based biosensor for E. coli bacteria. Her works have been published in reputed journals of publishers like Elsevier and Taylor & Francis. She has also made a significant contribution to some pending patents.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
Dhull, Nidhi. (2024, August 13). Tapioca Starch Enhances Mortar Strength and Durability. AZoBuild. Retrieved on November 06, 2024 from https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23584.
Dhull, Nidhi. "Tapioca Starch Enhances Mortar Strength and Durability". AZoBuild. 06 November 2024. <https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23584>.
Dhull, Nidhi. "Tapioca Starch Enhances Mortar Strength and Durability". AZoBuild. https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23584. (accessed November 06, 2024).
Dhull, Nidhi. 2024. Tapioca Starch Enhances Mortar Strength and Durability. AZoBuild, viewed 06 November 2024, https://www.azobuild.com/news.aspx?newsID=23584.
Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?
In this interview, Murielle Goubard, the Global Sector Manager for Building Materials at Malvern Panalytical, talks to AzoBuild about sustainable challenges in the cement industry.
This International Women's Day, AZoBuild had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Silke Langenberg from ETH Zurich about her impressive career and research.
AZoBuild talks with Stephen Ford, Director at Suscons and Founder of Street2Meet, about initiatives he is overseeing that look to provide sturdier, longer-lasting, and safer emergency shelter to those who need it.
This article will provide an overview of bioengineered building materials, discussing materials, products, and projects that have been made possible due to research in this area.
With an increase in the pressure to decarbonize the built environment and build more carbon-neutral buildings, the reduction of embodied carbon has become of great importance.
AZoBuild talks to Professors Noguchi and Maruyama about their research and development of Calcium Carbonate Concrete (CCC), a new material that has the potential to cause a sustainable revolution in the construction industry.
AZoBuild spoke to Lacol Architecture Cooperative about their La Borda Cooperative Housing project in Barcelona, Spain. This project has been shortlisted for the 2022 EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe award.
AZoBuild talked to Peris+Toral Arquitectes, finalists for the EU Mies van der Rohe award, about their work 85 Social Housing Units project.
With 2022 now underway, excitement has built following the announcement of the shortlisted architectural firms nominated for the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe award.
Your AI Powered Scientific Assistant
Hi, I'm Azthena, you can trust me to find commercial scientific answers from AZoNetwork.com.
To start a conversation, please log into your AZoProfile account first, or create a new account.
Registered members can chat with Azthena, request quotations, download pdf's, brochures and subscribe to our related newsletter content.
A few things you need to know before we start. Please read and accept to continue.
Please check the box above to proceed.
Azthena may occasionally provide inaccurate responses. Read the full terms.
While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.
Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.
Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.
Read the full Terms & Conditions.
AZoBuild.com - An AZoNetwork Site
concrete hardener Owned and operated by AZoNetwork, © 2000-2024