Title: Cement-Based, Materials-Enhanced Durability from Opuntia Ficus Indica Mucilage Additions

Author(s): W. Martinez-Molina, A. A. Torres-Acosta, G. E. I. Martínez-Peña, E. Alonso Guzmán, and I. N. Mendoza-Pérez

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 112

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 165-172

Keywords: additions; durability; mortar; organic materials; physical properties

DOI: 10.14359/51687225

Date: 1/1/2015

Abstract:
Physical characterization tests were performed on cement-based mortar containing different addition levels (0, 1.5, 4, 8, 42, and 95%, by water replacement concentration) of opuntia ficus indica (OFI) mucilage. Cement mortar cubes prepared with and without mucilage were tested 2145 days after being fabricated. These preliminary findings suggest that the addition of OFI mucilage at water replacement concentrations between 4 and 8% (by water mass replacement) may be suitable for durability-enhancing applications in cement-based mortar.