Influence of Ultrafine Natural Steatite Powder on Setting Time and Strength Development of Cement

K Sudalaimani,M Shanmugasundaram

doi:10.1155/2014/532746

K Sudalaimani, M Shanmugasundaram

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/532746

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Abstract

This paper deals with the setting time and pozzolanic activity of cement when ultra fine natural steatite powder (UFNSP) is used as replacement for cement. Initial setting time, final setting time, and mortar cube strength were studied, due to the replacement of ultra fine natural steatite powder with cement at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by mass of cement. The setting time of fresh cement-binder paste and compressive strength of mortar cubes are observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to investigate the microstructural behaviour and chemical element distribution inside cement-binder matrix. Results indicate that the length of dormant period is shortened. The replacement of ultra fine natural steatite powder with cement reduces initial setting time, and final setting time and increases mortar cube compressive strength.

Highlights

Steatite is a type of metamorphic rock, largely composed of talc ore, rich in magnesium
The water consistency increases for C5, C10, C15, C20 and C25 at 4%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 13% when compared with C0
The reduction in strength of C25 specimen is attributed to the pozzolanic activity and pore structure

Summary

Introduction

Steatite is a type of metamorphic rock, largely composed of talc ore, rich in magnesium. Steatite is the softest known mineral and listed as 1 on the Mohs hardness scale It is already used in paint industry, in marine paints and protective coatings. This is used in ceramics due to its high resistivity, very low dielectric loss factor, and good mechanical strength. A special cementbased mortar containing additions of fine powder waste from mineral extraction of steatite has been developed in Brazil, as a composite material for restoration of steatite elements [6]. When a property of powder injection moulded steatites is investigated, sintered at 1300∘C for 4 hours, a theoretical density of 98%-99% is achieved. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) aka brucite) is a good starting point for the development of low pH cements. In the present research work, effect of UFNSP powder on setting time and strength development on cement is investigated

Raw Materials

Results and Discussions

Conclusion