Title:
Mortar with Opuntia Ficus-Indica Mucilage Additions Exposed to CO2-Laden Environment
Author(s):
Andrés A. Torres-Acosta and Paola Y. González-Calderón
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
118
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
75-82
Keywords:
additions; carbonation; durability; mortar; Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage
DOI:
10.14359/51732796
Date:
9/1/2021
Abstract:
Mortar cubes containing different addition levels (0, 1.5, 4, 8, 42, and 95%, by water mass replacement concentration) of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage were exposed for a 14-year (5110-day) period in a natural CO2-laden environment. Physical characterization tests were performed on the mortar cubes, such as saturated electrical resistivity (ρS), percent total void content (%TV), water capillary absorption (εEFF), and compressive strength (fc). Changes in pH due to carbonation were also determined, and carbonation rates (KCO2 ) were recorded. Findings suggest that the addition of OFI mucilage concentrations between 4 and 8% (by water mass replacement) may be suitable for durability-enhancing applications in cement-based mortar exposed to carbonation-induced environments.