Influence of Combinative Pigment and Siliceous Filler on Colorimetric and Mechanical Properties of Colored Self-compacting Mortars

Colored self-compacting mortar (C-SCM) is a novel technology used in architectural construction, decoration and concrete rehabilitation. Obtaining an optimum mix design for C-SCM requires sufficient mechanical properties along with emergence of the desired colors. Therefore, it is important to define proper pigment content in the mixture. In addition, if pigment can act as a coloring filler, it will appropriately apply to SCM matrix. In this research, the effect of combinative (mixture of organic and inorganic) pigment on mechanical and colorimetric properties of SCM at pigment contents of 2, 5 and 10% were investigated. Furthermore, replacing pigment with siliceous filler was performed to study the filling ability of the pigment. Results indicated that the combinative pigment could efficiently function as coloring filler and contents of less than 5% led to superior colors and mechanical properties.