PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE OF METALLIC POWDER INCORPORATED CEMENT MORTARS

This study explores the potential use of metallic powders (MP) from the scaffolding industry as a replacement material in cementitious mortars, focusing on circular economy practices. Various mortar mixtures were created by replacing sand with MP at replacement levels of 0.00% (reference), 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%, 2.00%, 4.00%, and 8.00% by weight. Following a 28-day water curing period, the samples underwent tests to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and electrical properties. The findings indicate that industrial waste, which is currently non-recyclable, can effectively serve as a substitute in cementitious composites. At low replacement rates of 0.25% and 0.50%, significant improvements were observed in water absorption, porosity, mechanical properties (including compressive and flexural strength), and electrical properties. It is anticipated that mortars incorporating MP will present opportunities for producing composites with enhanced functional and electrical properties.