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Effect of Activated Carbon Content Derived From Coconut Shell and Water to Binder Ratios on The Workability of Mortar Mixtures

Authors

  • Tahir Yousef Omar Ahmed

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, University Teknologi Malaysia, Johor
    Author

  • Azman Mohammed

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, University Teknologi Malaysia, Johor
    Author

  • Nur Hafizah A. Khalid

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, University Teknologi Malaysia, Johor
    Author

  • Milad Hafezolghorani

    Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd., Chemor, Perak, Malaysia
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0226

Keywords:

Workability , Cement , Activated Carbon , Water binder Ratios , Mortar components

Abstract

This study analyzes the workability and compressive strength of mortar with activated carbon (AC) at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% cement substitution. XRF analysis shows that AC includes silica (SiO2: 6.39%), calcium oxide (CaO: 9.64%), magnesium oxide (MgO: 29.20%), potassium oxide (K2O: 46.60%), and somewhat less iron oxide (Fe2O3: 2.06%) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3: 3.34%), which improves pozzolanic reactivity and its initial stage AC has a finer particle size distribution than cement, with a high specific surface area (1,016.38 m2/g) and pore size (2.71 nm), suggesting potential advantages in particle packing and hydration kinetics. The flow table test indicated that workability increased with greater water-to-binder (W/B) ratios for all AC concentrations, from 13.54% for the control to 14.84% for 10% AC at W/B = 0.50 and to 22.74% to 23.70% at W/B = 0.65. These findings imply AC inclusion had no impact on fresh mortar flow. In testing, the 5% AC mix at W/B = 0.55 exhibited a maximum strength of ≈38 MPa, 8% greater than the control. AC increased modest strength losses. AC can augment cementitious materials to increase mechanical performance and workability at suitable replacement levels, saving cement consumption costs and benefiting the environment.

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Published

2025-10-28

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2025): October Issue

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

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How to Cite

Effect of Activated Carbon Content Derived From Coconut Shell and Water to Binder Ratios on The Workability of Mortar Mixtures. (2025). Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 44(4), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0226

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