Natural Fibers Reinforced Mortars: Composition and Mechanical Properties

For ages, natural fibers have been used as building materials. In the last centuries the man-made fibers, steel and concrete have predominantly dominated construction sector. Climate change has highlighted the importance of sustainable construction that can reduce the carbon footprint and the application of green, natural, recyclable and sustainable materials. In this work, the chemical composition and the effectiveness of jute fibers used as reinforcement in thermal and structural mortars. Therefore, the physical properties of both jute fiber and composite were determined by Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM), which show a good compact microstructure in case of structural mortar and bonding inhomogeneity in case of thermal mortar. The fibers improved ductility of the mortars, yet reducing their flexural and compressive strengths.