Introduction: This study optimizes the mix proportion of toughness-enhanced mortar to obtain excellent toughness and mechanical properties. Methods: Modified mortars were prepared using SBR latex, PVA fibers, and silica fume. Based on an L9(34) orthogonal array experiment, the effects of different admixtures on fluidity, setting time, mechanical strength, and toughness of mortar are studied, and then multi-objective optimization is carried out by using Gray correlation analysis. Results: The result is that the optimal mix proportion is A1B3C3 (5% SBR latex, 0.3% PVA fibers, and 15% silica fume). The 28-day flexural-to-compressive strength ratio achieved 0.23, which is far beyond ordinary mortar. Discussion: The findings demonstrate that the toughened mortar achieves superior toughness while retaining high compressive strength. Conclusion: SEM shows that the excellent toughness comes from the synergistic network. PVA fiber bridging and the bonded polymer film together prevent crack propagation and prevent spalling. The GRA method provides a reliable framework for multi-objective optimization in material design.
Zeng et al. (2026) studied this question.