PHYSICO MECHANICAL CHARACTERISATION OF ECOLOGICAL COATINGS BASED ON CATTAIL AND TURF

Coating mortars are subjected during their use to several external stresses, which can negatively affect their durability and lead to a loss of adhesion between them and the support. This study focuses on the development of an ecological coating based on clay and cattail fibers, aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings. The materials used are locally sourced and have been carefully characterized to appropriate standards. Several formulations were tested, combining clay with cattail and/or laterite, but only three showed satisfactory adhesion and absence of cracking, all containing a high proportion of cattail fibers.Mechanical and thermal tests revealed thermal conductivity ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 W/m. K and compressive strength ranging from 0.605 to 1.252 MPa. The optimal formulation, consisting of 25% clay and 75% cattail, showed a thermal conductivity of 0.46 W/m. K, which increased to 0.6878 W/m. K with the addition of 15% sand. Following the application of a coat of waterproof paint, this coating showed good resistance to rainwater after exposure to bad weather for a period of two months.To go further, studies on the adhesion and mechanization of the application of coatings are recommended, in order to optimize implementation and reduce costs while improving durability. This study represents a significant step forward towards more sustainable and economically viable construction solutions.