gu j sci, part a Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 2147-9542 Gazi University 10.54287/gujsa.1777268 Construction Materials Yapı Malzemeleri Using Moss Extract on Cementitious Mixture with Enhanced Workability and Mechanical Properties https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8626-440X Turan Seda ANTALYA BELEK ÜNİVERSİTESİ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8206-9049 Kul Gül Nazlı İpek AKDENİZ ÜNİVERSİTESİ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8368-4609 Karakuş Selcan İSTANBUL ÜNİVERSİTESİ-CERRAHPAŞA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5480-5590 Ursavaş Serhat ÇANKIRI KARATEKİN ÜNİVERSİTESİ https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3942-1198 Gürsu Gamze MALTEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-1605 Taşaltın Nevin MALTEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7324-5277 Koçkal Niyazi Uğur AKDENİZ ÜNİVERSİTESİ 12 31 2025 12 4 999 1012 09 03 2025 10 13 2025 Copyright © 2013, Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 2013 Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation

The negative environmental effects of cement and concrete additives, as well as the carbon emissions generated during the fabrication of cement and other required concrete components, have come into increasing focus in recent years. Cement-based construction materials, which often originate from plant extracts and agricultural residue, have gained a lot of interest lately due to their low energy requirements, affordability, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Within this context, the present study explores the application of synthesized moss extract (ME)-based nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the mechanical performance of cement, mitigate environmental impacts, and reduce carbon emissions. Surface characterization of the NPs was carried out using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which revealed moss extract-based nanoparticles (ME-NPs) with particle sizes below 100 nm and irregular needle-like shapes. The effects of ME-NPs on the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar were investigated by testing water absorption, compressive strength, flexural strength, and microstructure. The experimental results showed that extracts of Homalothecium sericeum and Dicranum scoparium specifically enhanced compressive strength. Overall, the findings reveal that MEs can be utilized to develop eco-friendly, workable cementitious composites with improved mechanical properties.

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