Mechanical and hydrophobic properties determination of epoxy/ignimbrite/pine waste composites

Abstract In this study, for the first time, composites have been prepared using ignimbrite and pine waste in epoxy matrix for the restoration of civil architecture examples in Anatolia (Turkiye). Composites were produced with different ratios of aggregates of 50–65 wt% ignimbrite waste (IW) and 5–20 wt% pine waste (PW), to 30 wt% epoxy resin (ER). The mechanical and hydrophobic properties of these composites were investigated. In the study, it was determined that the compression strengths decreased by approximately 20.70%–58.61% due to the increase in the pine waste ratio in the composites. However, it was determined that the compression strength values of the composites increased by approximately 13.09%–173.21% compared to the compression strength value of neat ER. Additionally, the contact angle of these composites is 91°–113.79°, which is higher than the 80.59° of neat ER. These composites with angles greater than 90° show that they provide sufficient conditions for the protection of historical structures from water. As a result, these composites produced with epoxy matrix and different waste fillers provide great potential for the restoration applications of civil architecture examples with their durable, environmentally friendly and economically beneficial properties. Highlights Epoxy/ignimbrite/pine waste composites were produced. First evaluation of the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of composites. IPWC50‐20 containing 20 wt% pine showed the highest hydrophobic properties. The increasing PW ratio in composites increases mechanical properties. IPWC50‐20 is ideal for composite waterproofing.