Reducing water absorption of cement mortar by using modified clay brick waste

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-21-2026

Abstract

Cement mortar is inherently hydrophilic due to its porous structure, which allows water penetration and adversely affects its durability and long-term performance. To mitigate this issue, hydrophobic cementitious materials can be developed by incorporating hydrophobic substances during mixing to provide hydrophobic properties throughout the material, achieved by introducing a wet chemical method using stearic acid-modified clay brick waste (MCBW) as a hydrophobic agent. The MCBW is prepared by treating clay brick waste with stearic acid (SA) and subsequently used as a partial replacement for fine aggregates. The effects of the MCBW incorporation on compressive strength and water resistance are investigated. When 30% of fine aggregate is replaced by MCBW (by weight), the optimized mortar showed substantial improvements: its 28 day cured compressive strength increased by 12% compared to the control, while achieving water resistance. Hydrophobic behavior is confirmed by a water contact angle of 145° and a significant reduction in the water penetration rate. Microstructural and thermal analyses (SEM and TG/DTG) further revealed that the incorporation of MCBW promotes cement hydration, contributing to improved performance.

Publication Title

Journal of Metals Materials and Minerals

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