Synergistic Role of Surface-Modified Silica Aerogel and Basalt Fibres in Structurally Reliable, Energy-Efficient Masonry Mortar
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract This study develops a sustainable masonry mortar incorporating a low dosage of KH-570 surface-modified silica aerogel and basalt fibre to improve thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical compliance suitable for non-load-bearing applications. This work, to the authors’ knowledge, is the first to combine KH-570 functionalised aerogel with basalt fibre to overcome the insulation–strength trade-off at low aerogel dosages. Two mortar series were prepared: (i) mortars containing 3, 5, and 7 vol. % unmodified aerogel as partial sand replacement and (ii) mortars with the same aerogel contents combined with 1 wt% cement-chopped basalt fibre. The setting time, flow of fresh mortar, dry bulk density, mechanical strength, and thermal properties were evaluated. Basalt fibre-reinforced samples demonstrated compressive strength increases of 8.0%, 7.2%, and 7.6%, and flexural strength gains of 6.0%, 8.0%, and 6.6%, respectively, compared with non-reinforced aerogel mortars while meeting the requirements of ASTM C270. Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA. (Type N), EN 998-2 (Class M5), and AS 4456.10 (Class M2). Thermal conductivity was reduced by up to 65% relative to conventional mortar, reaching its lowest value at 7 vol% treated aerogel combined with basalt fibre. The results demonstrate a material-efficient route to thermally insulating mortars that retain mechanical performance suitable for non-load-bearing masonry.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Aerogels and thermal insulation · Hygrothermal properties of building materials · Magnesium Oxide Properties and Applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (74)
Show source-provided references
1. Adesina, A. (2021). Performance of cementitious composites reinforced with chopped basalt fibres—An overview. Construction and Building Materials, 266, Article 120970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.12097010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120970 ↗
2. ASTM C270. Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA.
3. Benesi, H., & Jones, A. (1959). An infrared study of the water-silica gel system. The Journal of Physical Chemistry, 63(2), 179–182.10.1021/j150572a012 ↗
4. Bergmann Becker, P. F., Effting, C., & Schackow, A. (2022). Lightweight thermal insulating coating mortars with aerogel, EPS, and vermiculite for energy conservation in buildings. Cement and Concrete Composites, 125, Article 104283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.10428310.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104283 ↗
5. Bertoluzza, A., Fagnano, C., Morelli, M., Gottardi, V., & Guglielmi, M. (1986). Raman defect peaks in the spectra of Na2O silica gels evolving toward glass. Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 82(1–3), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3093(86)90120-110.1016/0022-3093(86)90120-1 ↗
6. Bhat, T., Chevali, V., Liu, X., Feih, S., & Mouritz, A. P. (2015). Fire structural resistance of basalt fibre composite. Composites Part a, Applied Science and Manufacturing, 71, 107–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.01.00610.1016/j.compositesa.2015.01.006 ↗
7. Bostanci, L. (2020). A comparative study of petroleum coke and silica aerogel inclusion on mechanical, pore structure, thermal conductivity and microstructure properties of hybrid mortars. Journal of Building Engineering, 31, Article 101478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.10147810.1016/j.jobe.2020.101478 ↗
8. Bostancı, L., Ustundag, O., Sola, O. C., & Uysal, M. (2019). Effect of various curing methods and addition of silica aerogel on mortar properties. Građevinar, 71(08), 651–661. https://doi.org/10.14256/JCE.2469.201810.14256/JCE.2469.2018 ↗
9. Chatterji, J., Cromwell, R. S., & Brenneis, D. C. (2007). Methods of cementing using cement compositions comprising basalt fibers. In: Google Patents.
10. Chen, B., Shao, H., Li, B., & Li, Z. (2020). Influence of silane on hydration characteristics and mechanical properties of cement paste. Cement and Concrete Composites, 113, Article 103743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.10374310.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103743 ↗
11. Devices, D. (2009). KD2 pro Compliance to ASTM and IEEE Standards. In: Application Note. Pullman, Washington: Decagon Devices.
12. Ding, C., Xue, K., & Yi, G. (2023). Research on fire resistance and economy of basalt fiber insulation mortar. Scientific Reports, 13(1), Article 17288. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44591-910.1038/s41598-023-44591-9 ↗
13. Dorairaj, D., Govender, N., Zakaria, S., & Wickneswari, R. (2022). Green synthesis and characterization of UKMRC-8 rice husk-derived mesoporous silica nanoparticle for agricultural application. Scientific Reports, 12(1), Article 20162. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24484-z10.1038/s41598-022-24484-z ↗
14. EN, B. (1999a). 1015–3: 1999. Methods of test for mortar for masonry-Part, 3.
15. En, B. (1999b). 1015–3; Methods of Test for Mortar for Masonry—Part 3: Determination of Consistence of Fresh Mortar (by Flow Table). NBN, Bureau for Standardisation: Brussels, Belgium.
16. EN, B. (1999c). 1015–10, 1999. Methods of test for mortar for masonry—Part 10: Determination of dry bulk density of hardened mortar. Br. Stand.[29] BS EN, 1015–1011.
17. EN, B. (2016). 998–2: 2016 Specification for mortar for masonry-Part 2: Masonry mortar. In: BSI.
18. Fickler, S., Milow, B., Ratke, L., Schnellenbach-Held, M., & Welsch, T. (2015). Development of high performance aerogel concrete. Energy Procedia, 78, 406–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2015.11.68410.1016/j.egypro.2015.11.684 ↗
19. Francis, L., Payne, D., & Wilson, S. (1990). Crystal structure of a new lead zinc acetate alkoxide, Pb2Zn2 (C2H3O2) 4 (C3H7O2) 4. Chemistry of Materials, 2(6), 645–647. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm00012a01110.1021/cm00012a011 ↗
20. Gao, T., Jelle, B. P., Gustavsen, A., & Jacobsen, S. (2014). Aerogel-incorporated concrete: An experimental study. Construction and Building Materials, 52, 130–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.10.10010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.10.100 ↗
21. Gurav, J. L., Jung, I.-K., Park, H.-H., Kang, E. S., & Nadargi, D. Y. (2010). Silica aerogel: Synthesis and applications. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2010(1), Article 409310. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/40931010.1155/2010/409310 ↗
22. Hanif, A., Diao, S., Lu, Z., Fan, T., & Li, Z. (2016). Green lightweight cementitious composite incorporating aerogels and fly ash cenospheres – Mechanical and thermal insulating properties. Construction and Building Materials, 116, 422–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.13410.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.134 ↗
23. Harini, M., Shaalini, G., & Dhinakaran, G. (2012). Effect of size and type of fine aggregates on flowability of mortar. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 16, 163–168. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-012-1283-410.1007/s12205-012-1283-4 ↗
24. Hawaldar, N., & Vishwanath, R. C. (2017). Effect of magnesium sulfate attack on basalt fiber reinforced concrete with partial to full replacement of natural sand by M-sand. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 4(07), 2768–2774.
25. Hou, C., & Zhang, H. (2023). Effect of silane coupling agent treatment of aggregates on mortar workability, strength and interfacial microscopic properties. Materials, 16(23), 7458.10.3390/ma16237458 ↗
26. Hu, P., Song, X., Liu, Y., Gao, Z., Wu, Q., & Zhang, L. (2024). Optimizing fiber-reinforced flexible concrete blankets: A study on basalt fiber effects on strength properties. Construction and Building Materials, 456, Article 139272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.13927210.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.139272 ↗
27. Huang, Z., Luo, Y., Zhang, W., Ye, Z., Li, Z., & Liang, Y. (2025). Thermal insulation and high-temperature resistant cement-based materials with different pore structure characteristics: Performance and high-temperature testing. Journal of Building Engineering, 101, Article 111839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.11183910.1016/j.jobe.2025.111839 ↗
28. Ismaiel, M., Chen, Y., Cruz-Noguez, C., & Hagel, M. (2021). Thermal resistance of masonry walls: A literature review on influence factors, evaluation, and improvement. Journal of Building Physics, 45(4), 528–567. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744259121100954910.1177/17442591211009549 ↗
29. Izaguirre, A., Lanas, J., & Alvarez, J. I. (2011). Effect of a polypropylene fibre on the behaviour of aerial lime-based mortars. Construction and Building Materials, 25(2), 992–1000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.06.08010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.06.080 ↗
30. Jagadeesan, P., & Palanisamy, T. (2015). Strengthening of brick masonry using basalt fiber reinforced cement mortar. International Journal of ChemTech Research, 8(10), 102–108.
31. Jiang, C., Huang, S., Zhu, Y., Lin, Y., & Chen, D. (2016). Effect of polypropylene and basalt fiber on the behavior of mortars for repair applications. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2016(1), Article 5927609. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/592760910.1155/2016/5927609 ↗
32. Kim, S., Seo, J., Cha, J., & Kim, S. (2013). Chemical retreating for gel-typed aerogel and insulation performance of cement containing aerogel. Construction and Building Materials, 40, 501–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.11.04610.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.11.046 ↗
33. Liu, Z., Zhu, Y., & Zhou, H. (2024). Experimental study on thermal insulation mortar with normal bearing capacity and its mesoscopic characteristics analysis. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 21, Article e03810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e0381010.1016/j.cscm.2024.e03810 ↗
34. Lu, J., Jiang, J., Lu, Z., Li, J., Niu, Y., & Yang, Y. (2020). Pore structure and hardened properties of aerogel/cement composites based on nanosilica and surface modification. Construction and Building Materials, 245, Article 118434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.11843410.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118434 ↗
35. Ma, G., Jia, K., Xie, P., A, R., Wang, L., Ding, X., & Ju, D. (2023). Physical, mineralogical, thermal, and mechanical properties of aerogel-incorporated concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. Cement and Concrete Composites, 140, Article 105089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.10508910.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105089 ↗
36. Ma, J. X., Zhang, M., & Zhao, G. (2013). Experimental research on basalt fiber reinforced cementitious composites. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 253, 533–536. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.253-255.53310.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.253-255.533 ↗
37. Manibalan, P., Abirami, G., Baskar, R., & Pannirselvam, N. (2023). Ductile behavior of reinforced concrete beam incorporated with basalt fiber. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 8(1), 65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-023-01033-910.1007/s41062-023-01033-9 ↗
38. Marof, K., & Šiller, L. (2025). Enhancing thermal insulation in cement mortar with silica aerogel and recycled PET plastic. Construction and Building Materials, 467, Article 140320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.14032010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140320 ↗
39. Modena, C., Da Porto, F., & Valluzzi, M. (2016). Brick and Block Masonry. Crc Press.10.1201/b21889 ↗
40. Ng, S., Jelle, B. P., Sandberg, L. I. C., Gao, T., & Wallevik, Ó. H. (2015). Experimental investigations of aerogel-incorporated ultra-high performance concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 77, 307–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.12.06410.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.12.064 ↗
41. Ng, S., Jelle, B. P., Zhen, Y., & Wallevik, Ó. H. (2016). Effect of storage and curing conditions at elevated temperatures on aerogel-incorporated mortar samples based on UHPC recipe. Construction and Building Materials, 106, 640–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.16210.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.162 ↗
42. Orlov, A. A., Chernykh, T. N., Sashina, A. V., & Bogusevich, D. V. (2015). Study on basalt fiber parameters affecting fiber-reinforced mortar. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 71(1), Article 012015. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/71/1/01201510.1088/1757-899X/71/1/012015 ↗
43. Pantoja, M., Encinas, N., Abenojar, J., & Martínez, M. (2013). Effect of tetraethoxysilane coating on the improvement of plasma treated polypropylene adhesion. Applied Surface Science, 280, 850–857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.05.07410.1016/j.apsusc.2013.05.074 ↗
44. Parveen, S., Rana, S., Fangueiro, R., & Paiva, M. C. (2015). Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube reinforced cementitious composites developed using a novel dispersion technique. Cement and Concrete Research, 73, 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.03.00610.1016/j.cemconres.2015.03.006 ↗
45. Peretz, N. M. (2008). American Environmental Associations in the Age of Climate Change.
46. Qin, J., Qian, J., Li, Z., You, C., Dai, X., Yue, Y., & Fan, Y. (2018). Mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced magnesium phosphate cement composites. Construction and Building Materials, 188, 946–955.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.044 ↗
47. Quattrociocchi, G., Albe, M., Tirillo, J., Sarasini, F., Valente, M., & Santarelli, M. (2015). Basalt fibres as a sustainable reinforcement for cement based mortars: Preliminary study. Materīals. Characteristics. VII, 109, 109–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2015.08.02010.1016/j.matchar.2015.08.020 ↗
48. Ralegaonkar, R., Gavali, H., Aswath, P., & Abolmaali, S. (2018). Application of chopped basalt fibers in reinforced mortar: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 164, 589–602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.24510.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.245 ↗
49. Shah, S. N., Mo, K. H., Yap, S. P., & Radwan, M. K. H. (2021). Effect of micro-sized silica aerogel on the properties of lightweight cement composite. Construction and Building Materials, 290, 123229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.12322910.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123229 ↗
50. Shi, J., Chen, Z., Shao, S., & Zheng, J. (2014). Experimental and numerical study on effective thermal conductivity of novel form-stable basalt fiber composite concrete with PCMs for thermal storage. Applied Thermal Engineering, 66(1–2), 156–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.02.01210.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.02.012 ↗
51. Ślosarczyk, A., Vashchuk, A., & Klapiszewski, Ł. (2022). Research Development in Silica Aerogel Incorporated Cementitious Composites—A Review. Polymers, 14(7), 1456.10.3390/polym14071456 ↗
52. Standard, B. (2019). BS EN 1015-11 Methods of test for mortar for masonry. Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar.
53. Standards Australia & Standards New Zealand. (2003). AS/NZS 4456:2003 Masonry units, segmental pavers and flags—Methods of test. Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand.
54. Stefanidou, M., & Pachta, V. (2020). Influence of perlite and aerogel addition on the performance of cement-based mortars at elevated temperatures. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 410(1), Article 012111. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/410/1/01211110.1088/1755-1315/410/1/012111 ↗
55. Stefanidou, M., & Papayianni, I. (2012). Influence of nano-SiO2 on the Portland cement pastes. Composites Part b: Engineering, 43(6), 2706–2710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.12.01510.1016/j.compositesb.2011.12.015 ↗
56. STN, E. (2017). 196-3. Methods of Testing Cement—Part 3: Determination of Setting Times and Soundness. Slovak Office of Standards, Metrology and Testing: Bratislava, Slovakia.
57. Stupishin, L., Emelyanov, S. G., Boluzhitcev, D., Masalov, A. V., Kuzmenko, A., & Rodionov, V. (2014). Retain of fine dispersed basalt fiber reinforcement in cement matrix. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 584, 1691–1694. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.584-586.169110.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.584-586.1691 ↗
58. Stutzman, P. (2004). Scanning electron microscopy imaging of hydraulic cement microstructure. Cement and Concrete Composites, 26(8), 957–966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2004.02.04310.1016/j.cemconcomp.2004.02.043 ↗
59. Suhara, T., Fukui, H., Yamaguchi, M., & Suzuki, F. (1996). Fine silica powder modified with quaternary ammonium group 3. The adsorption behavior of anionic surfactants. Colloids and Surfaces a: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 119(1), 15–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-7757(96)03751-X10.1016/S0927-7757(96)03751-X ↗
60. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2007. Status, Challenges and Opportunities. United Nations Environment Programme, Paris, France.
61. Vyacheslav, S., Tamara, R., Aleksandr, G., & Rozalina, G. (2016). Effective light-weight masonry mortars with dispersed reinforcement. Procedia Engineering, 153, 630–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.08.21310.1016/j.proeng.2016.08.213 ↗
62. Wang, X., Wang, K., Tanesi, J., & Ardani, A. (2014). Effects of nanomaterials on the hydration kinetics and rheology of portland cement pastes. Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, 3(2), 142–159. https://doi.org/10.1520/ACEM2014002110.1520/ACEM20140021 ↗
63. Wang, Y., Kang, A.-H., Wu, Z.-G., Xiao, P., Gong, Y.-F., & Sun, H.-F. (2023). Investigation of the basalt fiber type and content on performances of cement mortar and concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 408, Article 133720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.13372010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133720 ↗
64. Welsch, T., & Schnellenbach-Held, M. (2018). High performance aerogel concrete. High Tech Concrete: Where Technology and Engineering Meet: Proceedings of the 2017 fib Symposium, held in Maastricht, The Netherlands, June 12–14, 2017,10.1007/978-3-319-59471-2_15 ↗
65. Welsch, T., Schnellenbach-Held, M., & Milow, B. (2018). Development of a New Multifunctional Structural Material: High Performance Aerogel Concrete. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on New Horizons in Green Civil Engineering (NHICE-01), Victoria, BC, Canada,
66. Wu, C. Z., Liang, Y. H., Yin, Y. C., Cai, M. F., Nie, J. H., & Shen, S. C. (2018). Characterization of hydrolysis process of a silane coupling agent KH-570. Key Engineering Materials, 768, 279–285. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.768.27910.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.768.279 ↗
67. Wu, K., Shi, H., Xu, L., Ye, G., & De Schutter, G. (2016). Microstructural characterization of ITZ in blended cement concretes and its relation to transport properties. Cement and Concrete Research, 79, 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.09.01810.1016/j.cemconres.2015.09.018 ↗
68. Xiong, G., Luo, B., Wu, X., Li, G., & Chen, L. (2006). Influence of silane coupling agent on quality of interfacial transition zone between concrete substrate and repair materials. Cement and Concrete Composites, 28(1), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2005.09.00410.1016/j.cemconcomp.2005.09.004 ↗
69. Ye, Y., Li, H., & Lu, J. (2011). Preparation of KH-570 modified colloidal silica and its reaction stability. Silicone Mater, 25, 153–156.
70. Yu, W., Jin, L., & Du, X. (2023). Experimental study on compression failure characteristics of basalt fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete: Influences of strain rate and structural size. Cement and Concrete Composites, 138, Article 104985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.10498510.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104985 ↗
71. Zhang, R., Wang, H., Ji, J., Suo, Z., & Ou, Z. (2022). Influences of different modification methods on surface activation of waste tire rubber powder applied in cement-based materials. Construction and Building Materials, 314, Article 125191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.12519110.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125191 ↗
72. Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhuo, J., Zhang, Y., & Wan, C. (2022). A review of the mechanical properties and durability of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 359, Article 129360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.12936010.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129360 ↗
73. Zhou, J. (2019). Study on modification of waste rubber powder in cement-based composites mixed with waste rubber powder. Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, 7(8), 18–23.10.4236/msce.2019.78003 ↗
74. Zhu, P., Brunner, S., Zhao, S., Griffa, M., Leemann, A., Toropovs, N., Malekos, A., Koebel, M. M., & Lura, P. (2019). Study of physical properties and microstructure of aerogel-cement mortars for improving the fire safety of high-performance concrete linings in tunnels. Cement and Concrete Composites, 104, Article 103414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.10341410.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103414 ↗