Compressive Strength Optimization of Natural Polymer Modified Mortar with Moringa oleifera in Various Curing Medias

Abstract

Polymer modified concrete and polymer modified mortar are recommended for construction that built in aggressive environment such as seawater. This research wants to use Moringa oleifera as natural polymer for ingredient of modified mortar polymer because of its benefit and to find how natural polymer modified mortar with Moringa oleifera becomes durable in aggressive environment like in seawater and brackish water. This research conducted by experimental method. Several mortar cubes specimens with dimension 50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm were produced with compressive strength design as f’c = 30 MPa. Mortar mix composed by 1:1:0,6 (cement:sand:water). This research used Moringa oleifera powder as natural polymer, with and without skin. Total mix compositions for compressive test were 13 mixes (with one plain mortar mix as control specimens). Specimens were cured by plain water, seawater, and brakish water. The results of research note that: (1) natural polymer modified mortar with Moringa oleifera has advantage in improving its bonding mechanism, strength and its durability in seawater and brackish water; (2) The optimum composition of Natural polymer modified mortar with Moringa oleifera is achieved by M-I-TK-02 that contains Moringa oleifera as 0.2% of cement weight.