In search for improved construction materials and techniques, two main factors must be taken into account: ecological impact and production costs. The incorporation of recycled materials originating from renewable Sources into cementitious cores is a feasible alternative that has Pined ground in civil construction. This study investigated the matrix of a vegetable waste composite with polymer-modified cement. Several mixtures composed of Slag-Modified Portland cement, treated vegetable residue, wood from the Pinus caribaea species. latex type polymer, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and an adequate water ratio for the mixtures were studied. The composite was characterized based on mortar tests carried Out according to ABNT norms to determine its mechanical behavior. workability and water absorption by capillarity. Some of the essential properties of mortars, such as workability, mechanical strength and durability were substantially altered by the addition of polymers when compared to mortars without this addition. The effect of reduced capillary pores resulting from the action of the polymer contributed to decrease in the permeability of the material, preventing the penetration of aggressive agents due to the phenomenon of water transport. The composite containing vegetable residues and SBR-modified core presented the best mechanical behavior, and an increase of the polymer content resulted in greater water retention in the fresh mixture and a significant reduction in porosity. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.275599603