<![CDATA[The use of environmentally friendly materials in construction continues to grow along with the increasing need to reduce carbon emissions from the cement industry. One alternative material that can be utilized is Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA), which is a waste product from the combustion of palm oil residues. This study aims to analyze the effect of adding POFA and Sika Latex on the mechanical strength of mortar as a base material for cement boards. The POFA variations used were 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% as partial substitutes for cement, while the ratio variations of water to Sika Latex were 0, 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:1.5. Testing was conducted on compressive strength using cube specimens measuring 5×5×5 cm and flexural strength using beam specimens measuring 4×4×16 cm at 28 days of curing age. The results showed that the use of 5% POFA with a water to Sika Latex ratio of 1:1 produced the optimum compressive strength of 17.44 MPa. Meanwhile, the highest flexural strength value of 0.86 MPa was obtained in the mixture without POFA with a Sika Latex ratio of 1:1.5. The results indicate that POFA is more effective in improving the compressive strength of mortar, while Sika Latex plays a more dominant role in enhancing flexural strength.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
