Enhancing Mortar Mechanical Properties Using Bacterial Nanocellulose as an Additive: A Comparative Study of Electrolysis and Mechanical Production Methods

Lisa Oksri Nelfia; Sahid R. Albany; Ananto Nugroho; Triastuti; Astri Rinanti; Ouali Amiri

doi:10.48084/etasr.14610

Authors

Lisa Oksri Nelfia Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3783-4888
Sahid R. Albany Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia
Ananto Nugroho Directorate for Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park, Deputy for Research and Infrastructure, BRIN, Cibinong, Indonesia
Triastuti Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, BRIN, Cibinong, Indonesia
Astri Rinanti Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Technology, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8649-6307
Ouali Amiri Laboratoire GeM, Nantes Universite, Polytech Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, France https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3775-8355

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 35491-35499 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.14610

Received: 8 September 2025 | Revised: 5 November 2025 | Accepted: 22 November 2025 | Online: 6 June 2026

Corresponding author: Lisa Oksri Nelfia

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC) produced via electrolysis and mechanical methods on the mechanical properties of cement composites. The experimental research involved pulverizing cellulose using both mechanical and electrolysis methods. Flexural strength and compressive strength tests were conducted in accordance with the standards. The results showed that adding BNC at 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% by weight of cement, regardless of the production method, reduced mortar flow by 1.21%-4.55% as the dosage increased. The nanocellulose’s ability to retain water reduced the mortar's workability, decreasing specific gravity by 1.35%-5.35% compared to the control. Both production methods consistently increased the mortar's flexural strength as the additive dose increased. The highest flexural strength, 8.33 MPa, was achieved at 28 days with a 0.2% dosage of mechanical method nanocellulose, showing a 51.73% improvement over the control. Regarding compressive strength, the 0.05% dosage at 7 days increased it, whereas higher doses (0.1% and 0.2%) decreased it. However, at 28 days, the compressive strength improved linearly with increasing dosage, ranging from 3.76% to 15.75% higher than the control. Thus, BNC, particularly at a 0.2% dosage via the mechanical method, is a promising additive for enhancing mortar's mechanical properties. The novelty of this research lies in the direct comparison of BNC produced by electrolysis and mechanical methods as mortar additives, revealing distinct microstructural and mechanical outcomes that depend on the production method.

Keywords:

bacterial nanocellulose, composite cement, mechanical properties

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