Comparative Analysis of the Properties of Mortar Produced with Palm Kernel Oil Cake (PKOC)

The study explores and compares the properties of mortar produced with palm kernel oil cake (PKOC) as partial replacement of sand to traditional cement/sand mortar. Having reviewed some relevant literature on the topic, samples of materials required were collected and batched by volume to a mix proportion of (1:3). The PKOC replacement varies from 0%, 12.5%, 25% and 37.5% with water to 0.3. A total of 16 cubes was molded, cured for 21 days, subjected to various tests at each percentage replacement. The weight and density of the PKOC samples are found to be lighter than the control sample. It was observed that the compressive strength decreases from 12.5% upwards of PKOC aggregate replacement. Also, the water absorption decreases as the PKOC aggregate replacement increases. And it was finally recommended that before one can use PKOC as a partial replacement in traditional cement/sand mortar, its content should not exceed 12.5%. Keywords: Palm kernel, palm kernel oil cake, mortar, properties of mortar DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-6-06 Publication date: June 30 th 2020