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Synergistic Role of Surface-modified Silica Aerogel and Basalt Fibres in Structurally Reliable, Energy-Efficient Masonry Mortar

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kaniaw Marof, Professor Lidija SillerORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

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 (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.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Marof K, Siller L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Year: 2026

Volume: 20

Online publication date: 09/02/2026

Acceptance date: 19/01/2026

Date deposited: 10/02/2026

ISSN (electronic): 2234-1315

Publisher: Springer Nature

URL: .http:/doi.org/10.1186/s40069-026-00892-7

DOI: 10.1186/s40069-026-00892-7

ePrints DOI: 10.57711/vkaw-rz24

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