The Influence of a Natural Additive Obtained from Fique Leaf Juice (Furcraea SPP) in the Properties of Clay Masses

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
16-061	lida patricia paz villegas	paz villegas, l.p.(Universidad del Valle);	This research studied the incidence by incorporating an additive obtained from fique leaf Juice (Furcraea SPP) in the properties of clay masses to make bricks.The additive was obtained from the fique leaf juice treatment. It was incorporated to plastic clay masses, and then, pressed. The influence of the additive dosage was studied in the mass rheology, and the physical-mechanical properties of the material that was previously molded and fired. The incorporated percentages of the additive were 0%, 1.88%, 2.55%, 3.75%, 5.63%, 7.50%. They were established by applying the experimental, statistical design of extreme vertexes for two consistency levels: a minimum of 4Kg-f, and a maximum of 7kg-f. The plasticity indexes of the clayey mass decreased as the additive dosage increased. It was found out that from the 3.75% plasticity index, it tends to stay constant. It was also found that the additive incorporation has an effect on the Bigot curves behavior caused by water plasticity reduction, 13% for the 4Kg-f consistency, and 3.6% for the 7kg-f consistency, when compared to the pattern samples.The mechanical resistance to the diametric compression of dry specimens with a 4 kg-f consistency increased by adding the additive; the addition 2.55% was significant, and generated an increase of 32.9% with respect to the pattern sample. Gresification curves were built for both consistencies, in temperature ranges from 900°C to 1100°C, demonstrating a positive effect of the additive in the absorption properties, and the volumetric contraction with a 2.55% additive content. Finally, the additive effect in the brick durability was evaluated, and it was observed that the additive avoids the appearance of efflorescence and drying spots.The results of this study show the benefits of the additive obtained from the fique leaf juice to improve the clay brick production process because it reduces drying times, increases the mechanical properties and enhances brick durability in buildings
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