Influence of inorganic pigments on the fluidity of cement mortars

Abstract

Among the admixtures used for cement composites, an inorganic pigment, which contributes color to the final product, enhances the esthetic value of a building. It can be reasonably assumed that the use of inorganic pigments will increase, given the recent trend to make cities more beautiful with color. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inorganic pigments on the fluidity of cement mortar. For this purpose, a flow test was carried out on cement mortar mixed with inorganic pigments by changing the proportion of cement mortar, water–cement ratio, and ratio of pigment. When red and yellow pigment mortars were used, the fluidity rapidly decreased with increasing ratio of pigment. To secure an acceptable workability, the amount of mixing water had to be increased or a superplasticizer employed. When a green pigment mortar was used, however, the fluidity of the mortar recorded −2.4–6.9%, indicating almost no change in flow. When a black pigment mortar was used, the pigment had no effect on fluidity.