Produção de um aditivo retardador de pega para cimento Portland a partir da fibra de bananeira

Abstract

Nowadays, it is common to seek sustainable solutions in large sectors such as civil construction, which drives the search for alternative materials that not only reduce environmental impacts but also offer technical and economic feasibility. This study aimed to develop and analyze the effectiveness of a setting retarder additive for Portland cement, produced from banana fiber — an abundant agricultural residue, often underutilized and easily accessible. The research involved the extraction, drying, grinding, and transformation of the fiber into two additive forms: liquid and powder. The samples were incorporated into cement paste at different concentrations (0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%) to evaluate their behavior and were subjected to tests to determine the initial and final setting times. The results and statistical analysis showed that both additives significantly increased the setting time. The application of these additives proves advantageous in situations requiring greater workability of the concrete, such as in hot climates, large-volume pours, and long-distance transportation. Given this favorable technical performance, the use of banana fiber contributes to the valorization of agricultural residues, promoting more sustainable practices in civil construction. As a result, the developed additives show promising potential, combining functional performance with environmental responsibility.