Investigating the synergistic effect of clinkers and granulated slag on the rheological and microstructural properties of β-hemihydrate plaster

Abstract

This study aims to examine the synergistic impact of a ternary binder composed of β- hemihydrate, clinkers (white and grey cement), and slag. The research investigates multiple facets of the binder, including water demand, breaking and rebuildability of the material, yield stress, crushing strength, mineralogical phases, and chemical composition. Based on the findings, the incorporation of slag and clinkers significantly improved the rheological performance of the hemihydrate plaster. In addition, both the samples showed an increment in compressive strength at a later age compared to the reference binder. Furthermore, the mineralogical analysis reveals the presence of hydration products, such as CSH, CASH, ettringite, portlandite, and anhydrite, upon the introduction of clinkers and slag. The results obtained from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were consistent with the findings from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.