Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Insulating Sustainable Mortars with Ampelodesmos mauritanicus and Pennisetum setaceum Plants as Aggregates

The use of natural fibers in cement composites is a widening research field as their application can enhance the mechanical and thermal behavior mortars limit carbon footprint. In this paper, two different wild grasses, i.e., Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, also called diss, Pennisetum setaceum, known crimson fountaingrass, are used source aggregates for mortars. main purpose to assess possibility using more invasive fountaingrass place diss cement-based vegetable concrete. plant have been characterized by means scanning electron microscopy (SEM), helium picnometry thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, conductivity fiber panels has measured. Mortars samples prepared untreated, boiled Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) treated fibers. characterization performed three point bending compression tests. Thermal porosity measured characterize physical modification induced fibers’ treatments. results showed better properties than one that treatments lead reduction insulation properties.