Characteristics of Wood Ash Cement Mortar Incorporating Green-Synthesized Nano-TiO2

This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the influence of green-synthesized nano-TiO₂ on the characteristics of wood ash (WA) cement mortar. Mortar specimens were prepared by partial replacement of cement with WA (10% by weight) and addition of 1, 2 and 3% nano-TiO₂ by weight of binder; using constant water-to-binder ratio (w/b) for all mixtures. The properties evaluated are setting time of the binder and flexural and compressive strength with water absorption of the mortar. The results indicated that addition of 1 and 2% nano-TiO₂ reduced setting times of WA cement paste. Also, the flexural and compressive strength of WA cement mortar were higher with the incorporation of up to 2% nano-TiO₂. The water absorption of WA cement mortar was reduced when nano-TiO₂ was added with 2% incorporation having the best result. The incorporation of NT in WA cement mortar improved its workability and strength characteristics.