Yes. Gaara's sand in his Sand Shield can be made faster and more durable by infusing the sand with chakra. He did this with the sand he uses in his gourd, it's all chakra-treated sand. This is the sand Gaara uses primarily for defense, while he attacks with other normal sand. In addition, Gaara can strength the power of his sand and increase its durability by adding stronger metals to it. He did this by adding the Gold Dust of his father, Rasa, to his sand. However, doing this will decrease the speed of his sand. In addition, Gaara's sand can be lightened with Earth Release to increase its speed, but it will sacrifice any strength the sand has, and Gaara will be required to use more of it to hold down an enemy.