Modification of Lime-Cement Plaster by Introducing Mineral Admixture in Advance

Abstract

Lime-cement plaster sees widespread use as a building material. People know it for its ability to last, let air through, and be easy to work with. But adding natural ingredients can make it even better, turning it into a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. This research looks at what happens when you mix cow dung into lime cement plaster. For years, people have used cow dung in earth-based building. It\'s full of plant fibers and tiny living things. Builders value it because it helps things stick together, keeps water out, and fights off germs. This study looks at how well plaster works when mixed with different amounts of cow dung. It checks how easy the plaster is to use, how long it lasts, how well it keeps out water, and how well it insulates against heat. The results show that adding cow dung makes the plaster more flexible and less likely to crack while still keeping its strength. It also improves the plaster\'s heat retention capabilities and serves as a natural alternative to synthetic additives. The study concludes that cow dung could be a suitable natural supplement to lime-cement plaster. This supports friendly manufacturing practices and reduces reliance on chemical-based additives.

Introduction

Objective:

The study investigates the impact of cow dung as an eco-friendly admixture in lime-cement plaster, focusing on its influence on moisture regulation, strength, thermal insulation, and durability.

Key Findings:

• Cow dung enhances internal moisture absorption and water loss through solubility, making it a viable natural alternative to chemical moisture regulators.

• It improves workability, reduces cracking, provides thermal insulation, and boosts compressive strength.

• The plaster is more durable and shows reduced water ingress, making it suitable for civil applications.

Materials Used:

1. Cement – Binding agent with high strength and adhesive properties.

2. Lime – Enhances stickiness and sustainability.

3. Fine Aggregate – Sand used to create dense mortar.

4. Cow Dung Powder – Dried, sieved, and mixed with water as a natural admixture.

5. Water – Used in mixing and curing.

Methodology:

• Preparation of Mortar Mixes:

  • 100% Cement (Control)

  • 70% Cement + 25% Lime + 5% Cow Dung

  • 60% Cement + 25% Lime + 15% Cow Dung

  • 50% Cement + 25% Lime + 25% Cow Dung

• Concrete Cube Casting: Mortar placed in molds, cured at 27±2°C, and tested after 7, 14, and 28 days.

• Plaster Application: Applied at 12–15mm thickness on brick surfaces; cured for up to 28 days.

• Evaluation Criteria:

  1. Compressive Strength

  2. Water Absorption

  3. Adhesion Strength

  4. Thermal Insulation

  5. Crack Resistance

Results (Compressive Strength Examples):

• Mixes with higher cow dung content (up to 25%) achieved compressive strengths between 16–20 MPa, comparable to or better than control mixes.

• Improved bonding, reduced cracking, and maintained strength over time.

Conclusion

1) Though the cubes prepared with morter and cement showed the highest compressive strength at 28 days of curing but no significant differences in compressive strengths of cubes prepared by cement and 25% of cow dung plus were observed on any day of curing indicating that cement can be replaced by 25% of these materials. 2) The study revealed that cow dung powder being waste materials can be utilized for the Morter preparation.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Vinay Kayarkar, Ms. Avantika Bhude, Mr. Ankit Dhagare, Ms. Bhagyawati Gawade, Ms. Vaishanvi Bondre, Asst. Prof. Amita Borekar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.