Preparation and application of a novel alkaline electrolyzed water for the adsorption resistance of superplasticizer and rapid hydration in cement composites

Abstract

The high adsorption of cement composites owing to high clay content hinders the application of superplasticisers in architecture. In this study, novel alkaline electrolysed water (AEW) instead of ordinary mixing water (OMW) was introduced into cement composites to achieve high clay adsorption resistance and better mechanical strength of superplasticisers. The experimental results show that the AEW enhanced early hydration, and the 3-d compressive and flexural strength increased by 29.6% and 5.6%, respectively. In addition, the fluidity of the AEW mortar with 2% bentonite increased by 15.1%. Based on the results of saturated water absorption, the introduction of AEW effectively reduced the adsorption of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticiser, which improved the workability and mechanical strength. In conclusion, compared with traditional clay resistance methods, the use of AEW presents a high potential for the development of low-cost and low-carbon cement composites in restraining the high adsorption of PCE superplasticisers, which significantly improves the mechanical and hydration properties.