Abstract
Current methods used in China have failed to recycle cane molasses in an environmentally friendly way. Meanwhile, it is an urgent concern to find a cheap alternative to the present Portland cement grinding aids. However, the available literature has several limitations in properly evaluating the feasibility of using cane molasses as a Portland cement grinding aid. Therefore, the mixture of calcium sulfate and cement clinker is interground along with it, and mixture properties such as grindability, setting time, compressive strength, water absorption, compatibility with water reducing admixture, and hydration characteristics are systematically discussed and the mechanisms of these property variations are clarified. Besides, the economic, logistical, and environmental viability are also considered. The results show that cane molasses affects the cement grindability, setting time, compressive strength, water absorption, compatibility, hydration characteristics and microstructure, and these effects are related to its content. Moderate cane molasses delays the cement setting, but it is beneficial to the improvements of compressive strength, compatibility and microstructure. However, in addition to the fact that compressive strength is lowered, compatibility becomes poor, the later hydration is postponed and the microstructure gets loose, the scale of setting delay is also lessened when excessive cane molasses is used. The results also indicate it is logistically and economically feasible, also environmentally friendly that it is recycled as a cement grinding aid. These results are crucial to its sustainable and effective uses as well as the reuse of the waste containing similar matters. Additionally, this study also helps realize the sustainable production of cement, and also to contribute to the efforts at sustainable construction.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call