Investigation of the performance of basic magnesium sulfate cement mortar

Abstract

Basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC) is a kind of magnesium oxide (MgO)–magnesium sulfate (MgSO4)–water (H2O) modified ternary cementitious material prepared from light burned magnesia, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, water and additives. The effects of α-magnesium oxide/magnesium sulfate ratio (MO/MS), water/magnesium sulfate ratio (W/MS), sand-to-binder ratio (s/b) and superplasticiser dosage (SPD) on the performance of BMSC mortar were studied for the first time in this work. The results showed that for, optimal 28-day flexural strength, α-MO/MS = 10:1, W/MS = 16:1, s/b = 0.8 and SPD = 0.3%. For optimal 28-day compressive strength, α-MO/MS = 8:1, W/MS = 14:1, s/b = 0.6 and SPD = 0.4%. For best water resistance, α-MO/MS = 12.5:1, W/MS = 14:1, s/b = 0.2 and SPD = 0.1%. Based on these results, the basic mix proportion ranges of BMSC mortar should be α-MO/MS = 8:1–12.5:1, W/MS = 14:1–16:1, s/b = 0.2–0.6 and SPD = 0.1–0.4%.