Cement-Based Composites Incorporating Pseudoboehmite Nanomaterials

Pseudoboehmite is a hydrated aluminum oxyhydroxide obtained from inorganic precursors by the sol-gel process. It is used as a precursor to alumina and as a reinforcement in obtaining nanocomposites. Cement-reinforced composites with this nanomaterial were obtained in concrete and mortar. Pseudoboehmite with sodium polyacrylate was used to promote a deflocculation of pseudoboehmite particles, which tend to agglomerate in the material. The obtained material was added to the concrete to improve its workability and strength. The new concrete was characterized by slump tests and mechanical tests. Our results revealed that the incorporation of pseudoboehmite with sodium polyacrylate significantly increased the compressive strength and improved the workability of the concrete. Multiple experiments evaluated compressive strength, ultrasound speed, and nanomaterial characterization. Using the Weibull method in mortars, we verified that the pseudoboehmite brought visible benefits as the characteristic stress increased by 17.5%. This increase was observed with the addition of 3% by weight of pseudoboehmite.