Effect propylene glycol as a quality improvers for Portland and Portland-limestone cements

Abstract

The performance of propylene glycol (PG) on the grindability, setting and hardening of Portland (OPC) and Portland-Limestone cements (PLC) was studied. Propylene glycol was added to OPC clinker with percentage ratios; 0, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 wt.% of the OPC clinker. PLC was made by replacing 5 and 10 wt. % of OPC with limestone. PG offers better grinding aid performance with higher Blaine areas. Besides, presence of PG shows higher water of consistency and lower initial and final setting times. The mechanical properties of mortar specimens made from OPC and PLC admixed with PG were improved especially in the first 7 days. This explained due to increase in the cement fineness which leads to an increase in the degree of cement hydration, as well as to improvement in the interfacial transition zone between the cement paste and sand particles, thus resulting in an enhancement in the strength. DTA and SEM results confirmed the improved properties achieved due to admixing OPC or PLC with PG.