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

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.