Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Mortars Cured Under Different Light Wavelengths

Light is a form of vibration, and each color has a distinct wavelength. The human eye perceives colors by distinguishing between these varying wavelengths. Colors are extensively used in fields ranging from medicine to mining, chemistry, and agriculture. Nikola Tesla's statement, "If you wish to understand the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibrations," highlights the importance of examining the energy and frequency characteristics of light. This study investigates the effects of curing mortars under LED lights of different colors on their mechanical properties. Additionally, the roles of pigment additives and acrylic paint coatings on these effects were evaluated. For this purpose, a total of 96 prism mortar specimens measuring 40x40x160 mm were prepared and divided into eight groups. After a 28-day curing process, the specimens were subjected to flexural and compressive strength tests. Test results revealed that curing under colored LED lights enhanced mechanical strength compared to curing under natural daylight. Blue light demonstrated the most significant contribution to strength, while pigment additives generally reduced strength. In contrast, acrylic paint coatings substantially increased strength. As one of the first studies to explore the effects of light and color interactions on the strength properties of cementitious mortars, this work makes a significant contribution to literature. Furthermore, it provides a solid foundation for future research aimed at better understanding and optimizing the interactions of concrete with light and color.