Cellulose nanofibrils extracted from fique fibers as bio-based cement additive

Bio-based additives are currently of special interest in the construction industry. The use of biopolymers increases every year owing to the industry's goal to provide non-toxic and emission-free construction products. Therefore, the addition of bio-based nanofibers to cement paste was studied. The bio-based nanofibers were isolated from fique fibers as cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) through mechanical and chemical treatments. The CNF acted as viscosity-modifying agent for the cement paste, thereby increasing its yield point exponentially with small additions. Moreover, the CNF increased the hydration degree and storage modulus of the cement paste, which were measured through a dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis (DMA) at high temperatures. Furthermore, the CNF-modified cement paste presented less microcracking under stress and at high temperatures. Thus, a synergetic interaction occurred between the cement paste and the bio-based nanofibers isolated from fique fibers.