Incorporation of bamboo particles and “synthetic termite saliva” in adobes

•Adobes performance was improved when using bamboo particles and chemical stabilizer.•Chemical stabilizer reduced water absorption in adobes with bamboo particles.•Adobes shrinkage was reduced with the use of chemical stabilizer and bamboo particles.•Chemical stabilizer reduced capillarity in adobes with bamboo particles.•Compressive strength increased up to 90% with bamboo particles and stabilizer.

Adobes have been used in construction since the first civilizations in the world, and to adapt this product to modern requirements, it is necessary to improve their mechanic resistance and to reduce water absorption. This paper contributes to the better understanding of the stabilization mechanisms of adobes with “synthetic termite saliva” and Bambusa vulgaris vittata particles as reinforcement. The chemical composition, density and aspect ratio of the bamboo particles were determined. “Synthetic termite saliva” and bamboo particles improved physical properties of adobes, reducing linear shrinkage, water absorption, and the loss of mass in water. The agglomeration of the particles promoted by the “synthetic termite saliva” improved the packing of the soil particles, decreasing capillarity, and forming a more cohesive microstructure. The use of chemical stabilization and reinforcement with 6% of bamboo particles increased the compressive strength up to 90%.