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<p>The high carbon footprint of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has driven the development of sustainable alternatives such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC<sup>3</sup>). This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural performance of LC<sup>3</sup> mortar reinforced with NaOH-treated pine needle fibres, an abundant bio-waste material. Fibres were treated with 2%, 4%, and 5% NaOH solutions for 1–3&#xa0;h, with optimum performance achieved at 2% NaOH for 3&#xa0;h, 4% NaOH for 3&#xa0;h, and 5% NaOH for 2&#xa0;h due to enhanced surface roughness and removal of amorphous components. The treated fibres were incorporated into LC<sup>3</sup> mortar at dosages of 0.5–2% by weight of binder. Mechanical properties were evaluated at 7, 28, and 54 days, while microstructural characteristics were analysed using SEM and XRD. Results indicate that LC<sup>3</sup> mortar exhibited superior long-term strength compared to OPC due to enhanced pozzolanic reactions and filler effects. Optimum performance was obtained with 4% NaOH-treated fibres at 0.5–1% dosage. The 4-L-0.5 mix showed the highest compressive strength, while 4-L-1 and 5-L-1 exhibited maximum improvements in flexural (14.8%) and tensile strength (13.2%), respectively. Microstructural analysis confirmed improved fibre–matrix bonding and denser C–(A)–S–H gel formation. However, excessive fibre content led to agglomeration and reduced strength. The results demonstrate that optimized fibre treatment maximizes the reinforcing efficiency of pine needle fibres in LC<sup>3</sup> systems. Moreover, combining LC<sup>3</sup> with treated pine needle fibres provides a sustainable approach for reducing clinker consumption, valorising forestry waste, and improving the mechanical performance of cementitious materials.</p>

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Influence of NaOH-treated pine needle fibres on the performance of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) mortar

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月4日

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  • Rahul Prashar,
  • Roop Kishor,
  • Arya Anuj Jee

摘要

The high carbon footprint of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has driven the development of sustainable alternatives such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural performance of LC3 mortar reinforced with NaOH-treated pine needle fibres, an abundant bio-waste material. Fibres were treated with 2%, 4%, and 5% NaOH solutions for 1–3 h, with optimum performance achieved at 2% NaOH for 3 h, 4% NaOH for 3 h, and 5% NaOH for 2 h due to enhanced surface roughness and removal of amorphous components. The treated fibres were incorporated into LC3 mortar at dosages of 0.5–2% by weight of binder. Mechanical properties were evaluated at 7, 28, and 54 days, while microstructural characteristics were analysed using SEM and XRD. Results indicate that LC3 mortar exhibited superior long-term strength compared to OPC due to enhanced pozzolanic reactions and filler effects. Optimum performance was obtained with 4% NaOH-treated fibres at 0.5–1% dosage. The 4-L-0.5 mix showed the highest compressive strength, while 4-L-1 and 5-L-1 exhibited maximum improvements in flexural (14.8%) and tensile strength (13.2%), respectively. Microstructural analysis confirmed improved fibre–matrix bonding and denser C–(A)–S–H gel formation. However, excessive fibre content led to agglomeration and reduced strength. The results demonstrate that optimized fibre treatment maximizes the reinforcing efficiency of pine needle fibres in LC3 systems. Moreover, combining LC3 with treated pine needle fibres provides a sustainable approach for reducing clinker consumption, valorising forestry waste, and improving the mechanical performance of cementitious materials.