The Influence of Silica Fume on the Properties of Mortars Containing Date Palm Fibers

Abstract

Natural fibers have recently been presented as a promising alternative for manufactured fibers. Date palm fibers showed interesting results when used as an inclusion in concrete and mortar. In this study, Sefri Date Palm Mesh Fibers (SDPMF) were used as an inclusion in mortars. Silica fume (SF) partially replaced the cement by 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass to improve the mechanical properties of SDPMF mortars. SDPMFs were collected from local farms. The fibers were then cleaned, dried, and cut to 50 mm, and added to mortars with 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight. Density, absorption, open porosity, workability, and compressive strength of mortars were investigated. A comparison with a previous study’s results for mortars containing Sefri Date Palm Leave Fibers (SDPLF) is presented. The results showed that the incorporation of SF as part of cement may lead to improving the properties of the mixtures containing SDPMF fibers.