Enhancement of mechanical and hydrophobic properties of Adobes for Building Industry by the addition of polymeric agents

Availability, cheapness and thermal insulation properties give adobe an advantage over other building materials in dry regions. On the contrary, its poor compressive strength and high water adsorption are important disadvantages. We report the enhancement on compressive strength and water absorption resistance obtained in this material by the addition of dodecylamine and emulsified asphalt to the clay used for its manufacture. We characterized the adobes by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometry, ζ-potential measurements and scanning electronic microscopy. Ultra violet accelerated test, compressive strength test and water absorption tests were also carried out. The results show that adobes with cationic amine and emulsified asphalt improve their compressive strength and lower their water absorption at the time that they preserve their properties under weathering conditions.