Cement matrix reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose treated with furfuryl alcohol

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has been used in recent research to improve the mechanical behavior of cement matrices, however its introduction usually causes a series of disadvantages, such as a decrease in workability and an increase in setting time. In this study, MFC was treated with furfuryl alcohol and applied in cement pastes. In the fresh state, the pastes with the furfurylated MFC presented improved workability, reduced water consumption and reduced setting time when compared to pastes with untreated MFC. In the hardened state, the treated MFC presented an improvement in mechanical strength at early ages when compared to neat MFC. In general, all the MFC groups acted as a nucleation agent and improved the hydration of the cement, causing increases of up to 200% in mechanical strength at early ages.