USE OF NOPAL MUCYLAGA TO INCREASE THE DURABILITY OF PORTLAND CEMENT BASE MATERIALS (GROUT, MORTAR, CONCRETE), AS WELL AS TO DECREASE THE CORROSION OF REINFORCING STEEL IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of nopal products, both dehydrated and colloidal (slime) in the improvement of the durability of the construction materials. Said method consists of obtaining the cactus mucilage in dehydrated form in concentrations of up 0.5% to 2% (by weight of the cement of the mixture), or in colloid (slime/mucilage) at concentrations of up 1.5% to 95% (by weight of the mixing water). Said concentrations serve for improving the properties of Portland cement base materials (grout, mortar, concrete) by decreasing the percentages of empty pores or capillary pores that transport liquids and gases inside of these materials. Said voids are filled by the same reaction products between the cement and the cactus mucilage, which can be calcium oxalates such as weddellite and whewellite. Also, the concentrations reduce the entry of aggressive agents such as chloride ion and carbon dioxide or sulfur gas, and sulfates from the exposure environment, and works as a corro sion inhibitor for reinforcing steel in concrete or other materials based on Portland cement ( grout, mortar, concrete).