Mechanical Properties of Partial Replacement of Cement by adding Neem Gum/Accaacia Gum a Naturally Available Polymeric Fillers

Abstract

The use of natural polymeric fillers in concrete has been gaining popularity in recent years due to their environmental and economic benefits. Neem gum and acacia gum are two such fillers that have been shown to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. In this experimental study, the effects of partial replacement of cement with neem gum and acacia gum on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and water absorption of concrete were investigated. The results showed that the addition of neem gum and acacia gum to concrete can improve its mechanical properties. The compressive strength of concrete increased by up to 10% when 0.5% of neem gum or acacia gum was added. The splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of concrete also increased by up to 15% and 10%, respectively, when 0.5% of neem gum or acacia gum was added. The improvement in the mechanical properties of concrete with the addition of neem gum and acacia gum is attributed to the following factors. The significantly higher than the compressive strength of the control mix withacacia gum 23.5 MPa, but for 1 weight % of neem gum is about 34.5 MPa. The Split tensile strength was also significantly higher than the split tensile strength of the control mix without acacia gum 3.1 MPa and the best result seen in the 1.5 weight percentage of acacia gum with 3.8 MPa. The higher flexural strength of the control mix with acacia gum is about 5.1 MPa, for neem gum 5.9 MPa and elastic modulus 24 GPa for 1 % of acacia, 38GPa for neem gum was noted. Significantly lower than the water absorption rate of the control mix with acacia gum 2.8% and with neem gum for 1.5 % of neem gum is about 1.4 percentages. The use of these fillers can improve the mechanical properties of concrete and reduce the environmental impact of concrete production