Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Composite Containing Recycled Expanded Glass Aggregate and Nano Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

One of the growing concerns in the construction industry is energy consumption and energy efficiency in residential buildings. Moreover, management of non-degradable solid glass wastes is becoming a critical issue worldwide. Accordingly, incorporation of recycled expanded glass aggregates (EGA) as a substitution for natural fine aggregate in cement composites would be a sustainable solution in terms of energy consumption in the buildings and waste management. This experimental research aims to investigate the effects of EGA on fresh and hardened properties and thermal insulating performance of cement mortar. To enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of the EGA-mortar, nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) was used as nanofillers. The results showed an increase in workability and water absorption of the EGA-mortar. In addition, a significant decrease in bulk density and compressive strength observed by incorporating EGA into the cement mortar. The EGA-mortar exhibited a low heat transfer rate and excellent thermal insulation property. Furthermore, inclusion of nTiO2 increased compressive strength and water resistance of EGA-mortar, however, their heat transfer rate was increased. The results demonstrated that EGA-mortar can be integrated into the building envelop or non-load bearing elements such as wall partition as a thermal resistance to reduce the energy consumption in residential buildings.