Properties of Cementitious Composite Reinforced with Recycled Pulp from Beverage Cartons

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the refining level of recycled pulp from beverage cartons (RPBC) on the properties of its cementitious composite. The RPBC with various freeness levels, ranging from 400 to 650 mL of the Canadian Standard Freeness test method (CSF), was prepared using a high-speed fruit blender. The specimens were formed by the slurry de-watering method with 8wt% fiber content and mortar matrix with a sand-to-cement ratio of 1:1. The key findings reveal that the cementitious composites reinforced with the RPBC exhibited a maximum value of flexural strength of 11.17 MPa and the freeness of 550 mL CSF. The fracture toughness values of the RPBC composites were significantly improved compared to that of the control specimen. However, the values decreased by about 14% to 20 % as the freeness reduced from 650 to 400 mL CSF. The bulk density and porosity of the RPBCC were not significantly affected by the freeness of RPBC.