Mechanical, rheological and morphological analysis of cement-based composites with a new LAS-based air entraining agent

The air-entraining admixtures (AEA) consist of surfactant compounds, as do washing-up liquids. Washing-up liquids are products widely available, non-toxic and biodegradable. This work proposes the use of an anionic surfactant from washing-up liquids, Linear Alkyl Benzene Sodium Sulfonate (LAS), as AEA. Mechanical, physical and rheological properties of mortars comprising LAS were compared to ones with commercial admixture and one without any. The morphological aspects of the air-entrained matrix were also evaluated, and associated to its properties. Results indicate that the LAS-based AEA is an effective air-entraining agent. Thus, the present work seeks to disclose this new biodegradable high-performance potential AEA, as well as to improve the comprehension of the effects of AEAs in cement based composites. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.