The Impact of Recycled Material Reinforcement on the Performance of Mortars

This study investigates the use of recycled fibers as reinforcement in structural mortar to enhance its mechanical and physical properties. Polypropylene from onion bags, cotton from jeans, mesh fibers from date palms, and steel wool from dish sponges of various concentrations were tested as recycled materials. Experimental tests were performed on 63 mortar prisms, each measuring 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm. Fiber concentrations varied for each material type. Reinforced fiber mortar improvement was compared to control specimens in terms of flexural and compressive strength and failure mode. The determined optimal percentages were 0.2% polypropylene, 1.6% jeans, 2% date palm mesh, and 1% steel wool fibers. SEM analysis was also performed to explore the microstructure and bonding ability of the fibers within the mortar matrix.