{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,24]],"date-time":"2026-03-24T19:40:15Z","timestamp":1774381215984,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":29,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"2","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,23]],"date-time":"2024-01-23T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1705968000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Fibers"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study assesses the mechanical properties of mortars incorporating waste paper sludge-derived cellulose fibers. Compression and flexural tests were carried out on specimens prepared with cellulose fibers at different proportions, ranging from 0% to 2% of the total weight of the solid mortar constituents (cement, sand, and lime). In addition, a comparative analysis was carried out to evaluate the influence of the preparation method on the mechanical properties of the mortars. To this end, two series of mortars were studied: one prepared following a rigorous control of the preparation parameters and the other made without systematic parameter control to simulate typical on-site conditions. Finally, the applicability of both traditional and eco-friendly mortars in the construction of small-scale masonry walls was assessed through compression tests. Overall, the mechanical properties of mortars with cellulose fibers were comparable to those with 0% waste material, regardless of the production process. Regarding the compressive behavior of masonry walls, experimental tests showed significant similarities between specimens made with traditional and eco-friendly mortar. In conclusion, incorporating cellulose fibers into cement-based mortar shows considerable potential for building applications, enhancing the environmental benefits without compromising the mechanical behavior.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/fib12020013","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,23]],"date-time":"2024-01-23T04:17:40Z","timestamp":1705983460000},"page":"13","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":16,"title":["Cement-Based Mortars with Waste Paper Sludge-Derived Cellulose Fibers for Building Applications"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"12","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-2405-3938","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Francesco","family":"Bencardino","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, Bucci Bridge, Building 39B, 87036 Rende, Italy"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4029-6833","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Pietro","family":"Mazzuca","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, Bucci Bridge, Building 39B, 87036 Rende, Italy"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-3254-2221","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Ricardo","family":"do Carmo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability & Coimbra Polytechnic-ISEC, Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal"}]},{"given":"Hugo","family":"Costa","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability & Coimbra Polytechnic-ISEC, Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0004-5978-4441","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Roberta","family":"Curto","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, Bucci Bridge, Building 39B, 87036 Rende, Italy"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,23]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"125730","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclepro.2020.125730","article-title":"Sustainability in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review of the Literature","volume":"289","author":"Lima","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. 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