<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the effect of adding POFA (Palm Oil Fuel Ash) and epoxy on the mechanical properties of mortar immersed in seawater. POFA was utilized as a pozzolanic material to partially replace cement, while epoxy functioned as a polymer capable of enhancing bonding and densifying the mortar matrix. POFA and epoxy were added at variations of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The mortar was prepared with a cement-to-sand ratio of 1:2 and a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.65. Cube specimens measuring 5×5×5 cm were used for compressive strength testing, and beam specimens measuring 4×4×16 cm were used for flexural strength testing. All specimens were immersed in seawater prior to testing. The results showed that the addition of POFA and epoxy significantly influenced both compressive and flexural strength up to an optimum level. The highest compressive strength of 35.31 MPa was achieved in the mixture containing 10% POFA and 30% epoxy, while the maximum flexural strength of 0.91 MPa was obtained with 10% epoxy addition. However, excessive use of POFA and epoxy tended to reduce mechanical strength due to the decreased role of active cement and disruption of the hydration process. Therefore, the use of POFA and epoxy at optimum levels can produce more environmentally friendly mortar with improved durability and mechanical performance under seawater immersion.]]>
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