Thermal conductivity, compressive and residual strength evaluation of polymer fibre-reinforced high volume palm oil fuel ash blended mortar

This paper presents the investigation of the properties of polymer fibre-reinforced high volume palm oil fuel ash (POFA) blended mortar. Considering the targeted application for non-structural building material, the thermal conductivity, compressive and residual strengths as well as the water absorption of the mortars were evaluated. The incorporation of POFA and polymer fibres (polypropylene and acrylic) exceeding 0.3 vol.% fraction generally reduced the thermal conductivity and compressive strength as well as increased the water absorption of the mortars. Although the inclusion of POFA did not reduce the strength loss upon exposure to elevated temperature, the addition of fibres above 0.3% had slight effect in reducing the compressive strength loss. Thus, based on the optimization in terms of the thermal conductivity, compressive and residual strengths, it is recommended to incorporate high volume POFA and addition of polymer fibres exceeding 0.3 vol.% fraction for non-structural application in building materials.