REVISTA INGENIO
Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing
Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
Valorización del Bagazo de Caña de Azúcar en Nanosílice: Ruta Optimizada para Mejorar la
Resistencia y la Sostenibilidad en Morteros de Cemento
Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi | Universitat Politécnica de Valencia - España
Jenny Estefany Chandi Paucar | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
Fausto Enrique Chavez Guaman | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
Pablo Mauricio Bonilla Valladares | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
Debut Alexis Patrice Martial | Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas - Ecuador
Jorge Luis Santamaria Carrera | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
Hugo Alexander Cadena Perugachi | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
Andrea Estefania Logacho Morales | Universidad Central del Ecuador- Ecuador
https://doi.org/10.29166/ingenio.v8i2.8164 pISSN 2588-0829
2025 Universidad Central del Ecuador eISSN 2697-3243
CC BY-NC 4.0 —Licencia Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial 4.0 Internacional ng.revista.ingenio@uce.edu.ec
, (), - , . -
La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar la inuencia de la adición de nanopartículas de
sílice derivadas del bagazo de caña de azúcar, sintetizadas en el laboratorio mediante el método sol-gel,
sobre las propiedades del mortero de cemento en estado fresco y endurecido. En el estado fresco, se
analizan la trabajabilidad, la consistencia y la uidez, mientras que en el estado endurecido se evalúan la
resistencia a la compresión y la hidrofobicidad. Se prepararon especímenes utilizando cementos Tipo N
y Tipo HS, con la adición de nanopartículas de sílice en proporciones de 0,25 %, 0,50 %, 0,75 %, 1,00 %
y 1,50 % en peso, como reemplazo del cemento en el mortero de control. Los resultados revelaron que
el 0,25 % de nano-sílice fue el porcentaje de adición óptimo para ambos tipos de mortero. Además, se
observó que tanto las propiedades en estado fresco como en estado endurecido se vieron afectadas nega-
tivamente a medida que aumentaba el porcentaje de nano-sílice. La resistencia a la compresión aumentó
en un 9 % a los 28 días y en un 12 % a los 56 días para el mortero con cemento Tipo N; mientras que, para
el mortero con cemento Tipo HS, el incremento fue del 9 % a los 28 días, 10 % a los 56 días y 5 % a los 90
días. La prueba del ángulo de contacto indicó que las nanopartículas de sílice reducen la permeabilidad
de los morteros, siendo los especímenes elaborados con cemento Tipo N los que presentaron una mayor
impermeabilidad en comparación con aquellos elaborados con cemento Tipo HS.
e present research aims to evaluate the inuence of adding silica nanoparticles derived from sugarcane
bagasse, synthesized in the laboratory using the sol-gel method, on the properties of cement mortar in both
its fresh and hardened states. In the fresh state, the study examines workability, consistency, and ow, while
in the hardened state, it evaluates compressive strength and hydrophobicity.
Specimens were prepared using Type N and Type HS cement, with the addition of nano-silica particles at
0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.50% by weight as a replacement for cement in the control mortar. e
results revealed that 0.25% nano-silica was the optimal addition percentage for both mortars. Moreover, it
was found that both fresh and hardened properties were negatively aected as the percentage of nano-silica
increased. e compressive strength increased by 9% at 28 days and 12% at 56 days for the Type N cement
mortar, while for the Type HS cement mortar, the strength increase was 9% at 28 days, 10% at 56 days, and
5% at 90 days. e contact angle test indicated that nano-silica particles reduce the permeability of the
mortars, with specimens made with Type N cement exhibiting greater impermeability compared to those
made with Type HS cement.
Recibido: 29/4/2025
Recibido tras revisión: 19/5/2025
Aceptado: 6/6/2025
Publicado: 10/7/2025
Nanomateriales, Partículas de nano-sí-
lice, Morteros de cemento, Propiedades
mecánicas, Hidrofobicidad del mortero
Nanomaterials, Nano-silica particles,
Cement mortars, Mechanical properties,
Mortar hydrophobicity
1. Introduction
Construction is one of the industries that generates the
most carbon footprint in the world, as the materials it
relies on are mainly cement-based, which requires a
considerable amount of energy and the exploitation of
non-renewable resources for its production [1]. Accor-
ding to the UN, the construction sector is responsible for
more than 34% of energy demand and around 37% of
CO2 emissions during 2021 [2].
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Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
In recent years, there has been a proposal to reduce
cement use in construction by replacing it with indus-
trial, agricultural, and other byproducts, one of which is
sugarcane bagasse.
Sugarcane is produced worldwide, and according to
the FAO, global sugar consumption is expected to increa-
se over the next 10 years, with sugarcane continuing to
account for more than 85% of sugar crop production [3].
Once the raw material is extracted from this plant, a resi-
due is generated, the sugarcane bagasse [4].
Nanotechnology has been researched and introdu-
ced in the construction industry, specically in the pro-
duction of concrete and mortars, aiming to improve the
physical and mechanical performance of cements added
with certain types of nanometric particles such as silica
dioxide, graphene, iron oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotu-
bes, titanium dioxide, among others [5], [6], [7], [8], [9].
ese have resulted in higher strength, greater durability,
and more contributions to sustainable construction [10].
e integration of innovative methodologies, as seen
with the application of information and communication
technologies (ICTs) in educational settings, parallels the
transformative impact of nanomaterials in enhancing
the sustainability and eciency of construction practi-
ces [10].
e development of advanced construction materials
not only depends on material science innovations but also
on the systematic management of experimental data and
project progress, where tools such as web-based executi-
ve dashboards have proven to be critical [11].
Moreover, the ability of organizations to rapidly adapt
and integrate emerging technologies, such as nano-silica
derived from agricultural waste, is fundamental for in-
novation and competitiveness in sustainable construc-
tion [12].
A sustainable material with a wide range of applications
is silica dioxide (SiO2), which occurs naturally as quartz
and can be extracted from sand and other minerals. Ano-
ther source of SiO2 is plants, and therefore, this compound
can be extracted from agro-industrial waste, such as sugar-
cane bagasse [13]. According to the Ibero-American Agen-
cy for the Diusion of Science and Technology (DICYT),
the chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse ash is do-
minated by silica oxide, with alumina and iron oxide con-
tent, which can react with calcium hydroxide in cement
hydration and produce materials that improve the mecha-
nical and durability properties of concrete [14].
Nanosilica consists of nanometric-sized particles of
SiO2, which possess pozzolanic properties that react with
portlandite and improve its properties [15]. Due to its
size, it can group together in the small pores of the cement
paste, closing them or reducing their size, decreasing per-
meability by making the mortar denser and enhancing
its mechanical properties [17]. e incorporation of this
addition results in a reduction in cement requirements,
while increasing the demand for mixing water due to the
high specic surface area of the nanomaterial [16].
Studies on the incorporation of nanosilica in cons-
truction materials support the aforementioned benets of
this material on the properties of concrete [17], [18], [19],
[20], [21], [22], paving stones [23], and mortars [24], [25],
[26]. is improvement in properties positions nanosili-
ca as an advanced solution for more durable and sustai-
nable construction [29].
Given the above, this study aims to analyze the mo-
dication of the properties of mortars in both the fresh
and hardened states, with additions of SiO2 nanoparticles
derived from sugarcane bagasse in percentages of: 0.25%,
0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.50% by weight as a partial re-
placement for cement, as a positive factor in reducing the
environmental impact generated by agro-industrial was-
te and the construction industry [30].
2. Materials y Methods
2.1 MATERIALS
2.1.1. Cement
Two types of cement were used: Maestro by Holcim (Type
N cement) and Campeón by Selvalegre (Type HS cement).
2.1.2. Fine Aggregate
e ne aggregate was sourced from Santo Domingo,
with a density of 2.69 g/cm³ and an absorption capacity
of 1.7%. Its granulometry meets the grading limits for
natural sand established in INEN 2536 [27].
Additionally, the organic impurities in the ne aggre-
gate were assessed, revealing a low impurity content. e
quantity of lightweight and friable particles was within the
limits set by NTE INEN 699 and 698, respectively.
2.1.3. Nanosílice derived from sugarcane bagasse
e silica nanoparticles were obtained in the laboratory
from sugarcane bagasse waste through a multi-step ex-
traction process that includes: 1. Conditioning of the
material: drying and grinding of sugarcane bagasse, 2.
Calcination of the material: pyrolysis using a Bunsen
burner and transformation into ashes using a mue
furnace, 3. Acid treatment of the ashes: reux in HCl
and HNO₃ acids, 4. Purication of the ashes: reux in
NaOH, and 5. Precipitation of the product: application
of the sol-gel method to obtain silica particles [13], [28].
Figure 1 indicates the process carried out to obtain silica
nanoparticles from sugarcane bagasse.
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Alvansazyazdi M. et al.
e mentioned procedure was performed four times
(four cycles) to obtain the desired amount.
Table 1 shows the quantities of each material used per
cycle, as well as the nal amounts.
Table 1
Quantities of each material used per cycle
Cycle Bagasse
(kg)
Ashes
(g)
HCl
(ml)
HNO3
(ml)
NaOH
(ml)
10.33 14.9 59.8 50.0 50.0
2 0.65 10.1 60.5 50.0 100.0
3 34.97 427.6 855.1 420.0 696.6
4 44.56 203.8 507.6 210.0 600.0
Total 80.51 656.4 1483.0 730.0 1446.6
Table 2 presents the quantities of nano-silica obtained
from sugarcane bagasse in each cycle, as well as the yield
per cycle and the overall yield of this material.
Table 2
Quantities of nanosilica obtained from sugarcane bagasse per cy-
cle and its yield
Cycle Nanosilica obtained
(g)
Yield
(%)
11.8 0.542
2 3.6 0.556
3 208.6 0.596
4 254.4 0.571
Total 468.4 0.566
e optimization of the synthesis parameters, including
acid concentration and reux cycles, plays a crucial role
in maximizing the quality and yield of nano-silica. Simi-
lar optimization strategies have been successfully applied
in surface engineering through the use of NSGA-II algo-
rithms [29]. e characterization of the nano-silica par-
ticles obtained from sugarcane bagasse was performed
using the following laboratory techniques:
2.1.3.1. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Figure 2 shows a surface with a rough and heterogeneous
texture, composed of particles varying in size and shape.
e distribution of shades suggests the presence of eleva-
ted areas (brighter) and deeper regions (darker). e highly
agglomerated structure indicates a material with a high spe-
cic surface area, which is characteristic of nanoparticles.
Figure 2
SEM test conducted by the Microscopy Laboratory, ESPE, on the
nanosilica sample obtained with a 1μm scale.
Figure 1
Laboratory process for obtaining nanosilica derived from sugarcane bagasse
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Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
2.1.3.2. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Figure 3 shows that the SiO₂ nanoparticles tend to agglome-
rate, possibly due to attractions generated by the dierences
in electronegativity between O and Si atoms. e 100 nm
scale allows visualization of particles smaller than 100 nm,
conrming that this material qualies as a nanomaterial.
Figure 3
TEM test conducted by the Microscopy Laboratory, ESPE, on the
nanosilica sample obtained with a 100 μm scale.
2.1.3.3. X-ray Diraction (XRD)
Narrower peaks indicate larger crystals, while wider
peaks may indicate smaller crystal sizes. However, it
maintains the characteristic pattern of nano-silica pro-
posed by Puerto Suárez. [17]
Figure 4
XRD analysis performed on the nanosilica sample.
2.1.3.4. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
e elements Si and O from SiO2 were identied in the
sample. e percentages obtained for each element are
close to the ratio that represents SiO2, with 2 parts of O
for every part of Si (66.10% for O and 25.37% for Si).
Tabla 3
Components and percentages present in the sample.
Element Amount present in the sample.
Oxygen (O) 66.10 %
Sodium (Na) 6.42 %
Aluminium (Al) 1.24 %
Silicon (Si) 25.37 %
Iron (Fe) 0.88 %
TOTAL 100 %
2.2 METHODS
2.2.1. Mixture Proportioning
e proportioning used was selected based on NTE
INEN 1806 [30], which species the commonly used ce-
ment: sand ratio in construction of 1:3. e amount of
water was selected based on mortar ow tests.
Two types of mortar were prepared: with type N ce-
ment and type HS cement. e proportions are shown
in Table 4.
Table 4
Quantities for 9 specimens of standard mortar.
Material Weight (g) Ratio
Type N Cement
Cement 740.0 1
Sand 2220.0 3
Water 437.3 0.54
Type HS Cement
Cement 740.0 1
Sand 2220.0 3
Water 429.9 0.53
Once the weight quantities of each material for the refe-
rence mortar are determined, the weight of the cement is
replaced with each percentage of nanosilica that is to be
added to the mixture (see Table 5).
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Alvansazyazdi M. et al.
Table 5
Quantities for 9 specimens of mortar with the addition of nano-
silica particles.
Material Quantity in weight of the materials (g)
0.25% 0.50% 0.75% 1.00% 1.50%
Type N Cement
Cement 738.1 736.3 734.4 732.6 728.9
Sand 2220 2220 2220 2220 2220
Water 437.3 437.3 437.3 437.3 437.3
Nanosilica 1.85 3.70 5.55 7.40 11.10
Type HS Cement
Cement 738.1 736.3 734.4 732.6 728.9
Sand 2220 2220 2220 2220 2220
Water 437.3 437.3 437.3 437.3 437.3
Nanosilica 1.85 3.70 5.55 7.40 11.10
2.2.2. Mixing procedure
e nanosilica particles must undergo a predispersal to
obtain stable suspensions before being integrated into
the mortar mixture, as their high specic surface area
can cause particle agglomeration that hinders the proper
combination of the mortar materials [18]. To prepare the
nanosilica suspension, a high-shear mixer was required.
A portion of the mixing water, along with the nanosilica,
was mixed for 120 seconds at 1000 rpm.
To prepare the mortar mixtures, the water and the
nanosilica suspension were placed in the mixer, the ce-
ment was added and mixing continued for 3 minutes at
low speed. e ne aggregate in a dry condition was then
added to the mixer, mixing for 30 seconds at low speed,
then for another 30 seconds at medium speed. e pro-
cess was paused, and the mixture was allowed to rest for
90 seconds. Aer this time, the mixture was mixed again
for an additional 60 seconds.
2.2.3. Optimal Nanosilica Addition Percentage
Immediately aer mixing, the owability of the fresh
mixtures was measured according to NTE INEN 2502
[31], which species a ow of 110 ± 5 in 25 drops on the
ow table.
e results of the fresh-state mortar tests, Table 4,
show that with the incorporation of nanosilica particles
into the mortar, there is a loss of workability as the per-
centage of nanosilica added increases. In other words, the
higher the amount of nanosilica, the lower the owability
of the mixture. e mixtures with 0.25% and 0.50% na-
nosilica with type N and type HS cement exhibited me-
dium workability and were found to be easy to handle
and apply. However, starting from 0.75% addition, it was
observed that the consistency of the mixtures shied from
plastic to dry over time. As the percentage of addition in-
creased, this decreased the workability of the mixtures,
making them more dicult to handle.
e analysis of the fresh-state properties indicates that the
mixtures with both types of cement are negatively aected by
the increase in nanosilica quantity added. However, the mix-
tures with 0.25% nanosilica addition presented the best results
in terms of workability, consistency, and owability.
Subsequently, a compressive strength test was perfor-
med according to NTE INEN 488 [32] on the hardened
mortar specimens. Nine specimens were made for both
the reference mixture and the mixtures with nanosilica
addition using the two types of cement (Total 108 speci-
mens). e tests were carried out at 1, 3, and 28 days for
type N cement and 1, 3, and 7 days for type HS cement
(e dierence in testing ages is due to the strength each
type of cement can achieve).
Graph 1
Incremento de la resistencia a la compresión (%) vs Tipo de mor-
tero, cemento tipo N
Graph 1 shows the compressive strength as a percentage
for the dierent mixtures, taking the compressive stren-
gth of the reference mortar at 28 days as 100%. It can
be observed that the greatest increase in strength for the
mortar with type N cement is achieved with a 0.25% ad-
dition of nanosilica, reaching 12% more strength compa-
red to the reference mixture.
Graph 2
Incremento de la resistencia a la compresión (%) vs Tipo de mor-
tero, cemento tipo HS
100
Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
Graph 2 shows the compressive strength as a percentage
for the dierent mixtures with type HS cement, taking
the compressive strength of the reference mortar at 7
days as 100%. It can be observed that the greatest increa-
se in strength for the mortar is achieved with a 0.25%
addition of nanosilica, reaching 7% more strength com-
pared to the reference mixture.
e analysis of the hardened-state specimens with the
two types of cement used indicates that the addition of
nanosilica improves compressive strength. However, it is
observed that high percentages do not seem to generate
signicant improvements in strength and may even ne-
gatively aect it, suggesting that there is a limit to the
amount of nanosilica that can be added. It is observed in
both types of cement that the 0.25% nanosilica addition
percentage is the one that allows for the highest streng-
th in mortars.
erefore, a 0.25% addition of nanosilica is establi-
shed as the optimal percentage, and the preparation of
the nal specimens is carried out to obtain better statis-
tics and conrm the results for comparison with the re-
ference sample.
3. Results
3.1 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
A total of 10 mortar specimens were prepared for each
mixture type, i.e., reference mixture and mixture with
0.25% nanosilica addition for each testing age: 1, 3, 7, 28,
56, and 90 days, and each type of cement used (Total 240
specimens). Table 5 presents the arithmetic mean value
of the compressive strength results for the reference mix-
ture specimens and the mixture with 0.25% nanosilica
addition from sugarcane bagasse.
Type N Cement
Table 7 shows that, at 24 hours, the mixture with 0.25%
nanosilica exhibits a decrease of 0.6 MPa in strength
compared to the reference mixture, which had a stren-
gth of 0.9 MPa. e same behavior was observed up to
3 days, with the reference mortar reaching 2.6 MPa and
the mortar with 0.25% nanosilica reaching 2.1 MPa. is
suggests that the initial decrease in the mortar’s strength
is attributed to the addition of nanosilica.
Starting from 7 days, the mortar with nanosilica ad-
dition shows higher strength than the reference mortar.
e reference mortar achieved 3.7 MPa, while the mortar
with nanosilica reached 4.2 MPa. At 28, 56, and 90 days,
the trend of increased strength continued for the mixtu-
re with nanosilica addition, indicating that, in the long
term, the addition of nanosilica provides positive bene-
ts in terms of strength.
is behavior can be observed in Graph 3, which
shows that the highest strengths over time were achieved
by the mortar with 0.25% nanosilica.
Graph 3
Compressive strength vs. age of mortar (Type N)
In Graph 4, the percentage increase in compressive
strength between the reference mortar and the mortar
with 0.25% nanosilica addition is shown. A strength in-
crease of 9% was achieved at 28 days, 12% at 56 days, and
9% at 90 days.
Graph 4
Increase in compressive strength (%) vs. age of mortar (Type N)
Type HS Cement
Graph 5 shows the increase in compressive strength of
the mortar with nanosilica addition starting from the
rst day, where a strength of 5.9 MPa is observed compa-
red to the 5.0 MPa reached by the reference mortar. is
growth trend continues until the 90-day age, where the
mortar with 0.25% nanosilica reaches a strength of 36.8
MPa, compared to the 34.0 MPa of the reference mortar.
is behavior can be observed in Graph 5, which
shows that the highest strengths over time were achieved
by the mortar with 0.25% nanosilica.
101
Alvansazyazdi M. et al.
Graph 5
Compressive strength vs. age of mortar (Type HS)
In Graph 6, the percentage increase in compressive
strength between the reference mortar and the mortar
with 0.25% nanosilica addition is shown. A strength in-
crease of 9% was achieved at 28 days, 10% at 56 days, and
10% at 90 days.
e results presented demonstrate the benets of na-
nosilica addition in this study, with 0.25% sugarcane ba-
gasse nanosilica, in increasing the compressive strength
of mortars with type N cement and mortars with type
HS cement.
Aer performing the compressive strength tests, a
contact angle test was conducted to determine the hy-
drophobicity of the specimens. It was decided that the
test would be carried out at 28, 56, and 90 days for both
the reference mortar specimens and those with sugarca-
ne bagasse nanosilica addition, as the mortar reaches its
maximum strength at this age.
To perform the contact angle test, the surface of the
specimens was cleaned to remove any dust, impurities,
or detachment. A drop of water was then placed on the
smoothest and least porous surface of the specimen using
a micro needle, which allowed a small drop to be placed.
Using a laboratory microscope, the behavior of the water
drop on the mortar surface was observed (whether it is
absorbed or not). Images were captured with a smartpho-
ne camera, and through the ImageJ soware, the angle
formed between the water drop and the mortar surface
was measured.
Angles less than 90° indicate that the material is hy-
drophilic (more permeable/more absorbent), and angles
greater than 90° indicate that the material is hydropho-
bic (less permeable/less absorbent).
It can be seen in Table 8 that the mixtures with nanosi-
lica addition for both types of cement used have higher
values compared to the reference mixtures. is means
that the addition of nanosilica reduces the mortar’s ab-
sorption capacity, making it a more hydrophobic or less
permeable material. is contributes to the durability
of the mortar, as it helps prevent or reduce damage that
may occur due to freeze-thaw cycles, as well as issues like
eorescence, internal moisture, presence of microorga-
nisms, etc.
3.2 MICROSTRUCTURE OF MIXTURES WITH NANOSILICA
e SEM images of mortars with both Type N and Type
HS cement and 0.25% nanosilica reveal a more uniform
and dense structure, with smaller and better-distribu-
ted particles. At 56 and 90 days, a decrease in porosity
is observed, indicating greater compaction of the mortar
matrix.
Figure 5
SEM analysis of mortar mix with type N cement (a) and 0.25%
nanosilica, at 28(b), 56(c) and 90 days(d).
Previous studies have demonstrated that the incorpora-
tion of nano-silica into cementitious matrices leads to
signicant improvements in mechanical performance
and microstructural densication, promoting greater
durability and strength [26].
In addition to mechanical improvements, the introduc-
tion of functionalized nano-silica particles enhances the
hydrophobic behavior of mortar, thus improving its resis-
tance to water ingress and extending its service life [33].
e smaller pore size and the increase in hydration
products, such as C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate), contri-
bute to improving the durability and strength of the mortar.
e incorporation of nanosilica signicantly enhan-
ces the microstructure, reducing porosity and promoting
the formation of cementitious products, which translates
into higher mechanical strength and durability.
(b)(a)
(d)
(c)
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Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
4. Conclusions
• e extraction of silica nanoparticles using the sol-
gel method was carried out in four cycles, yielding a
total production of 468.4 grams of nanosilica from
80.5 kg of sugarcane bagasse waste sourced from the
Puyo canton, demonstrating a yield of 0.566%.
• e characterization of the nanosilica obtained from
sugarcane bagasse reveals several structural and che-
mical properties that conrm it is a material with
typical SiO₂ nanoparticle characteristics. e SEM
test revealed a rough and heterogeneous surface with
an agglomerated structure, indicating a high specic
surface area, which is characteristic of nanoparticles.
Meanwhile, the TEM test showed that the particle
size is below 100 nm, conrming it as a nanomate-
rial. e XRD image indicated that the diraction
pattern matches the nanosilica structure reported
in the literature, suggesting a crystalline phase con-
sistent with the characteristics of a nanostructured
material. Finally, the EDS analysis conrmed the
presence of Si and O in proportions close to the stoi-
chiometry of SiO₂, with 66.10% oxygen and 25.37%
silicon.
• e fresh and hardened state properties of the refe-
rence mortar and mortar with nanosilica addition
at dierent percentages, using two types of cement,
determined that the optimal nanosilica addition per-
centage is 0.25%. is percentage does not aect the
uidity, workability, or consistency of the fresh-state
mortar, allowing for easy handling and placement.
In the hardened state, this percentage achieved the
highest compressive strength compared to the refe-
rence mortar.
• It was observed that high nanosilica percentages can
negatively aect fresh-state mortar mixtures with
both Type N and Type HS cement, causing the mix-
tures to transition from a plastic state to a dry sta-
te (lower workability, dry consistency, and dicult
handling).
• e contact angle test showed that the tested spe-
cimens, including conventional mortar with Type
N and HS cement, exhibited a hydrophilic surface,
except for the mortar made with Type N cement
and 0.25% nanosilica addition, which presented a
hydrophobic surface at 90 days of age. Additionally,
the incorporation of nanosilica increased the contact
angle in these specimens, conrming that nanopar-
ticles reduce water absorption by lling the voids in
the mortar.
• e incorporation of nanosilica synthesized from
sugarcane bagasse in mortars not only contributes
to the sustainable management of agricultural waste
but also enhances construction eciency and sus-
tainability. By reducing cement dependency, CO₂
emissions are decreased, helping to mitigate the en-
vironmental impact of the construction industry.
Moreover, the improvement in mechanical proper-
ties optimizes material usage, leading to lower re-
source consumption.
References
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105
Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
Annexes
Table 6
Properties of mortars in fresh state
Mix Type
Fluidity
Type N
Cement
Type HS
Cement
M control 113 112
M with 0.25% nanosilica 111 109
M with 0.50% nanosilica 110 105
M with 0.75% nanosilica 110 99
M with 1.00% nanosilica 100 96
M with 1.50% nanosilica 97 92
Table 7
Strength values of mortars at dierent ages
Mix Compressive strength (MPa)
1 day 3 days 7 days 28 days 56 days 90 days
Type N Cement
M control 0.9 2.6 3.7 6.9 7.4 8.0
M with 0.25% nanosilica 0.6 2.1 4.2 7.5 8.2 8.6
Type HS Cement
M control 5.0 12.4 18.2 26.9 30.4 34.0
M with 0.25% nanosilica 5.9 12.8 18.7 29.3 33.4 36.8
Table 8
Hydrophobicity of mortars, contact angle test
Mortar Age (days)
28 56 90
Type N Cement
M control 62.8° 79.1° 84.2°
M with 0.25% nanosilica 63.4° 80.1° 98.2°
Type HS Cement
M control 43.3° 47.6° 59.9°
M with 0.25% nanosilica 48.1° 51.2° 78.4°
106
Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse into Nano-Silica: Optimized Route for Enhancing Strength and Sustainability in Cement Mortars
Graph 6
Increase in compressive strength (%) vs. age of mortar (Type HS)
Figure 6
SEM analysis of mortar mix with HS type cement (a) and 0.25%
nanosilica, at 28(b), 56(c) and 90 days(d).
(c)
(b)(a)
d)
