Cactus mucilage: A review of its rheological and physicochemical properties and use as bio-admixture in building materials

Abstract

The Portland cement industry is continuously exploring new admixture alternatives to manipulate building materials properties, including mechanical, rheological, and durability properties. Cactus mucilage is such an admixture alternative. This study reviews the literature on the use of cactus mucilage (specifically, prickly pear cactus) as a bioadmixture in building materials, particularly Portland-cement-based materials. Moreover, the influences on mechanical strength, rheology, and durability are examined. The results show that cactus mucilage, which has been used since ancient times in America, could enhance materials like lime-, Portland-cement-, and earth-based building materials.

Keywords: Bioadmixture; Building materials; Polysaccharide; Prickly pear; Viscosity.