Mechanical properties and humidity absorption measured through impedance spectroscopy in clays used for adobe production

We report the use of impedance spectroscopy to study the development of both, high compressive strength and low water absorption for different sand–bentonite mixtures + copolymer (styrene)-co-(methyl acrylate)-asphalt emulsion used for adobe production. Impedance spectra consisted of two semicircular arcs related to electrical properties and capillary porosity of the sand–bentonite mixtures. The compressive strength of the mixtures presented a strong correlation to their porosity. The results obtained show that a sand–bentonite mixture + copolymer (styrene)-co-(methyl acrylate)-asphalt emulsion can develop a combination of higher compressive strength with lower water absorption appropriate for production of high performance adobes.