Cement Paste Research Articles

Formation of calcium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) in iron ore tailings ceramsite and its influence on cement hydration degree

This study explores the application potential of iron ore tailing (IOT) ceramsites in cement and concrete. It focuses on elucidating the pozzolanic reaction of ceramsite and its impact on the hydration kinetics of cement paste. The results showed that the active substances inof ceramsite dissolve in an alkaline environment and bind with Ca2+ in the cement solution to form a robust structure with needle-like C-A-S-H as the framework and layer-like C-A-S-H as the core-shell. Ceramsite slightly delayed the end of the induction period and significantly increased the total heat of hydration, thereby enhancing cement paste hydration. The compressive strength and degree of hydration exhibited a linear correlation. The C-A-S-H structure effectively enhances the strength of the cement paste within 100 μm of the ceramsite, with the strengthening effect extending up to 700 μm after 3 days. This study underscores the significant potential of IOT ceramsites in the concrete industry.

Impact of virgin and recycled polymer fibers on the rheological properties of cemented paste backfill

The addition of polymer fibers to cemented paste backfill (CPB) has shown promise in enhancing mechanical properties, although it also introduces changes in rheological characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different types of polymer fibers, namely virgin commercial polypropylene fiber (CPPF), recycled tire polymer fiber (RTPF), and recycled tire rubber fiber (RF), on the rheological properties of CPB mixtures through an experimental program, and provide design references for CPB pipeline transport. The results revealed consistent reductions in bulk density upon the incorporation of polymer fibers into CPB, alongside varying impacts on slump. Specifically, the addition of CPPF had a mild effect, while RTPF caused a continuous decrease in slump, and RF exhibited minimal influence up to a 4% concentration, with substantial effects thereafter. Moreover, the inclusion of fibers led to increases in apparent viscosity parameters, with RTPF inducing the most significant changes, followed by varying responses from CPPF and RF. When using RTPF for CPB reinforcement, emphasis should be placed on enhancing technical indicators related to viscosity such as energy consumption and pipeline wear during pipeline transport. Furthermore, adjustments were necessary to account for flow curve instability resulting from interactions between fibers and the paddle, with the data aligning well with the Bingham model. The addition of fibers, particularly CPPF and RF, primarily influenced plastic viscosity rather than yield stress, underscoring the limitations of slump tests in assessing rheology.

Microstructural Analysis of C-(A-M)-S-H Formation in the Portland Cement Paste through the Internal Mg2+ Incorporation

Microstructural Analysis of C-(A-M)-S-H Formation in the Portland Cement Paste through the Internal Mg2+ Incorporation

Time-Dependent Properties and Model Analysis of Rheology for Fresh Sulphoaluminate Cement Paste Evaluated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Time-Dependent Properties and Model Analysis of Rheology for Fresh Sulphoaluminate Cement Paste Evaluated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Effect of in situ CO2 mixing of cement paste on the leachability of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))

In situ CO2 mixing technology is a potential technology for permanently sequestering CO2 during concrete manufacturing processes. Although it has been approved as a promising carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) method, its effect on the leachability of heavy metals from cementitious compounds has not yet been studied. This study focuses on the effect of in situ CO2 mixing of cement paste on the leaching of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The tank leaching test of the CO2 mixing cement specimen resulted in a Cr(VI) cumulative leaching of 0.614 mg/m2 in 28 d, which is ten times lower than that of the control mixing specimens. The results in thermogravimetric analysis indicated that a relatively significant amount of CrO42− is immobilised as CaCrO4 during the CO2-mixing, and a higher Cr–O extension is observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectra. Furthermore, a portion of the monocarboaluminate is inferred from microstructural analyses to incorporate CrO42− ions. These results demonstrate that in situ CO2 mixing is beneficial not only in reducing CO2 emissions, but also in controlling the leaching of toxic substances.

Effect of Moisture on Electrical Resistivity and Self-Sensing Behavior of a Cement Paste

Effect of Moisture on Electrical Resistivity and Self-Sensing Behavior of a Cement Paste

Investigation of the mechanical, microstructure, and durability properties of concrete with fine uniform and non-uniform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) aggregates

Concrete manufacturing is highly resource-intensive and is a major source of greenhouse gas emission. Accelerating depletion of natural resources such as sand, which is the primary material for aggregate in concrete manufacture is a growing problem. At the same time, the disposal of vast volumes of non-biodegradable plastic waste poses a global environmental challenge. The incorporation of aggregates derived from municipal plastic waste to substitute for sand has the potential to help address both issues, while at the same time mitigating greenhouse gas emission. This study examines the potential of municipal polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste as a fine aggregate in concrete manufacturing. The primary focus was on PET aggregates with non-uniform and uniform shapes ranging in size from 2.36 to 4.75 mm. In the concrete mixtures, 0 %, 30 %, and 50 % of the fine natural aggregate by volume were replaced with fine PET aggregate with a water to cement ratio of 0.40. The obtained results showed a reduction in compressive and splitting tensile strength when compared to control specimens. However, replacing 30 % of fine natural aggregate with PET (both uniform and non-uniform shapes) significantly improved chloride resistance by 13 % and 12 %, respectively, while also enhancing the bond between cement paste and PET particles. This study characterizes the material properties of PET concrete, which represents a promising method for reusing municipal plastic waste and mitigating environmental concerns in concrete production.

The Effect of Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Microfibers on the Piezoresistive and Mechanical Properties of Mortar

Sustainability, safety and service life expansion in the construction sector have gained a lot of scientific and technological interest during the last few decades. In this direction, the synthesis and characterization of smart cementitious composites with tailored properties combining mechanical integrity and self-sensing capabilities have been in the spotlight for quite some time now. The key property for the determination of self-sensing behavior is the electrical resistivity and, more specifically, the determination of reversible changes in the electrical resistivity with applied stress, which is known as piezoresistivity. In this study, the mechanical and piezoresistive properties of mortars reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon micro-fibers (CMFs) are determined. Silica fume and a polymer with polyalkylene glycol graft chains were used as dispersant agents for the incorporation of the CNTs and CMFs into the cement paste. The mechanical properties of the mortar composites were investigated with respect to their flexural and compressive strength. A four-probe method was used for the estimation of their piezoresistive response. The test outcomes revealed that the combination of the dispersant agents along with a low content of CNTs and CMFs by weight of cement (bwoc) results in the production of a stronger mortar with enhanced mechanical performance and durability. More specifically, there was an increase in flexural and compressive strength of up to 38% and 88%, respectively. Moreover, mortar composites loaded with 0.4% CMF bwoc and 0.05% CNTs bwoc revealed a smooth and reversible change in electrical resistivity vs. compression loading—with unloading comprising a strong indication of self-sensing behavior. This work aims to accelerate progress in the field of material development with structural sensing and electrical actuation via providing a deeper insight into the correlation among cementitious composite preparation, admixture dispersion quality, cementitious composite microstructure and mechanical and self-sensing properties.

Monitoring chemical reactions following the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in white Portland cement pastes

Monitoring chemical reactions following the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in white Portland cement pastes

Dynamic modulus characteristics and prediction model of semi-flexible materials filled with high-performance cement paste

The dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture is an important factor in the design of asphalt pavement, and many scholars have proposed different models for estimating the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture, but there are almost no studies on the prediction of the dynamic modulus of semi-flexible materials. In order to analyze and estimate the dynamic modulus of semi-flexible materials, we set up a high-performance cementitious paste (HPCP) semi-flexible material and a reference group Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA-16) under multiple conditions, first measured its dynamic modulus in the laboratory, and analyzed the dynamic modulus characteristics of the material, and then used the equation the estimation equation proposed by Witczak et al. (Witczak1-37A) as a benchmark to introduce a new parameter, grouting mass ratio (Pb) to develop a Witczak-G prediction model to compare and validate the predicted dynamic modulus with the measured values. The results show that compared with SMA-16, HPCP semi-flexible material exhibits higher dynamic modulus and lower phase angle, and its temperature sensitivity and deformation resistance are significantly better than those of SMA-16. Under the influence of porosity and Pb factor, the dynamic modulus is positively correlated with both factors, and the phase angle increases first and then decreases, showing strong elastic properties. In this paper, we propose a dynamic modulus prediction model based on viscosity and Pb, Witczak-G, which predicts the highest coefficient of determination (R2) of the predicted dynamic modulus as high as 0.99 after initial fitting and validation, which indicates that the Witczak-G model is suitable for predicting the dynamic modulus of semi-flexible materials injected with HPCP.

Sorption of 32Si and 45Ca by isotopic exchange during recrystallisation of cement phases

The uptake kinetics of 32Si and 45Ca on cement minerals including C-S-H phases, portlandite, AFm phases, ettringite, and aged hardened cement paste were determined through batch sorption experiments. A two-step uptake kinetics was observed, with a fast initial step during ∼1 day followed by a much slower second step, not yet completed after one year. The working hypothesis that the fast uptake is caused by exchange of the radioisotopes with stable isotopes adsorbed on the mineral surface, whereas the slow uptake step is due to uptake in the crystal lattice during recrystallisation, was tested with the help of phenomenological models that combine surface adsorption and homogeneous recrystallisation. The experimental data could be reproduced satisfactorily using a refined version of the formerly published continuous homogeneous recrystallisation (CHOR) model, supporting the working hypothesis and allowing equilibrium sorption coefficients (Rd; L kg−1) for these radionuclides to be calculated on a mechanistic basis. This provides insight into the intrinsic rates and mechanisms of interaction between cementitious materials and their pore fluids which contain dissolved calcium and silicon.

Impact of the partial substitution of cement and sand by ash from several types of wood species in cementitious materials manufacture: valorization in the industrial field

The main objective of this article is to evaluate the potential use of wood ash as a substitute for cement and sand in mortars. Three types of wood were selected: Ayous, Sapelli and Fraké, all of which were sourced from carpentry in Cameroon. The sawdust was dried and combusted to obtain ash, then ground and sieved. Six types of mortar were produced, with cement substitution at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. The physico-mechanical properties of these substitutions were determined after 7, 28 and 56 days. The results of the cement paste consistency show that it increases with the addition of ash, due to the fact that sawdust ash requires a large quantity of water. The addition of ash caused an increase in setting time due to the fact that sawdust ash is less reactive than Ordinary Portland cement, resulting in a delay in the rate of cement hydration. Apparent density values decreased with the addition of sawdust ash, probably due to the hygroscopic behavior of type of ash in mortar specimens. The highest pozzolanic index is that of 5% replacement by ash and almost identical absorption for all mortars at this substitution percentage. Acid attack results revealed a higher durability of mortar specimens with the higher percentage of ash substitution. Optimum compressive strengths for the different substitution percentages were observed at 5%, 15% and 10% respectively for Ayous, Sapelli and Fraké. The best wood ash is Sapelli because of its chemical composition and resistance to compression in mortars. At 56 days, compressive strength values exceed those of the reference composition. This may be due to pozzolanic reactions in the mortars of ash.

Understanding the thixotropic structural build-up of C3S pastes in the presence of polycarboxylate superplasticizers

Due to the physical and chemical effect of polycarboxylate (PCE) ether superplasticizers on the simultaneous hydration of aluminate phase and silicate phase, the structural build-up of cement paste with PCE remains a much-complicated process. In order to reveal the underlying mechanism, this study reports the thixotropic structural build-up of C3S paste with PCE in the early stage (stage I before initial setting, within 1500 s). It should be subdivided into stage I′ (rapid non-linear increase) and stage I″ (slow linear development), since PCE significantly prolongs the duration of stage I′ from ∼10 s to ∼1000 s. Although PCE does not alter the origins of thixotropy (CSH/C3S cohesive forces and colloidal interactions), it can change the magnitude of driving forces, greatly depending on its adsorption in the pseudo-contact region. Consequently, the dominant driving force in stage I′ is C3S cohesive force, while it is colloidal interactions in stage I″. The quantitative models of colloidal percolation characteristic time (tperc) and thixotropic structural build-up rate (Gthix) are developed, both of which are determined by the surface coverage and initial solid volume fraction. Increasing PCE dosage augments tperc and diminishes Gthix, until reaching the maximum adsorption threshold (not full surface coverage), beyond which further PCE increase has a minimal effect on tperc and Gthix.

Reconciliation of pore structure characterization methods: The simple case of PC-limestone cement pastes

Almost all properties of hydrated cementitious materials depend strongly on their pore structure. Many methods to quantify porosity have been applied to cementitious materials, but there is a huge confusion in the literature about the utility of these methods. By comparing the results between different methods, including MIP, 1H NMR and nitrogen adsorption, we highlight that semi-quantitative information can reliably be obtained from these methods. In particular, we demonstrate that they are consistent in their relative range of validity. This range of validity is explained in terms of microstructure features. We also show how the results are linked to macroscopic observables such as microstructure development (degree of hydration) and transport (conductivity and apparent chloride diffusion).

Mechanical properties, microstructure and life-cycle assessment of eco-friendly cementitious materials containing circulating fluidized bed fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag

To reduce CO2 emission from the cement industry and solve environmental issues caused by the accumulation of circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFA), this study aimed to prepare eco-friendly cementitious materials using CFA and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as supplemental cementitious materials. The hydration properties, reaction kinetics, microstructure and life-cycle assessment of blended cements were investigated. The results showed that the compressive strengths of the blended cement samples containing 10 % CFA and 20 % GGBS increased by 7.3 % and 5 % at 7d and 28d, respectively, compared to the pure cement paste. The hydration process was characterized using isothermal calorimetry and analyzed by the Krstulovic-Dabic (K-D) model. The blended cement paste with the best compressive strength exhibited the highest total hydration heat release throughout the hydration process, with extended reaction times. The synergistic effect of CFA and GGBS promoted the formation of C-(A)-S-H gel, consuming more portlandite and leading to a decrease in the most probable pore size and an increase in gel pore volume in the pore structure. From the perspective of cost, economy, and environment, the normalized strength cost, energy consumption efficiency index, and CO2 intensity index can be reduced by 16.1 %, 27.1 %, and 33.3 % respectively. This work contributes to a better understanding of the synergistic mechanism in the CFA-GGBS blended cement system, and serves as a significant reference for the development of economical and eco-friendly cementitious materials.

What are the mechanisms of functional monomers' effect on air entrainment of polycarboxylate superplasticizers in cement paste and mortar?

This study focuses on developing three kinds of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs), i.e., ether-type polycarboxylate superplasticizer (T-PCE), fluorine-type polycarboxylate superplasticizer (F-PCE), and phosphate-type polycarboxylate superplasticizer (P-PCE) synthesized respectively with three functional monomers, i.e., isopentenyl polyoxyethylene ether (TPEG3000), hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate phosphate (HEMAP) for improved dispersion and low air entrainment in cementitious systems. The molecular structures of PCEs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). Further, the influence and mechanism of the functional monomers on the dispersion and air entrainment of PCEs in cement paste and mortar were investigated. Finally, the mechanisms of the functional monomers' effect on the air entrainment of PCEs in the cement paste and mortar were discussed. The results showed that T-PCE, F-PCE, and P-PCE were successfully synthesized, and P-PCE had the optimal effect on the fluidity (at W/C=0.35, 305.5 mm), the lowest foaming height (11.000 mm), and the fastest rate of defoaming of the cementitious systems, followed by F-PCE and T-PCE. Complexation, adsorption, surface activity, and polar hydrophobic mechanisms were identified. For unmodified T-PCE, there are more hydrophilic groups (-COOH), stronger surface activity. Therefore, T-PCE shows strong air entrainment; T-PCE has a high density of carboxylate and often forms a complex with 1 Ca2+ in the form of 4 carboxyl groups before reaching the adsorption equilibrium, so the concentration of free Ca2+ with foam stabilizing effect is high, which leads to strong air entrainment of T-PCE. The adsorption and complexation ability of F-PCE with Ca2+ is weaker than that of T-PCE. However, the hydrophobicity of F-PCE molecules is enhanced and the surface tension of F-PCE is reduced due to the ester group and C-F bonds in the structure of HFBMA, so the air entrainment of F-PCE is lower than that of T-PCE through Marangoni effect. P-PCE exhibited the lowest surface activity and the largest surface tension. Defoaming effect is promoted due to increased additional pressure on the bubble surface. Moreover, its adsorption and complexation with Ca2+ surpassed those of T-PCE and F-PCE due to the phosphate group has two negative charges, and the free Ca2+ is reduced, which also reduces the bubble stability. Therefore, P-PCE has minimal air entrainment in the cementitious systems.

Ultrasonic wave diffusion-based investigations on microstructural development in multi-scale cementitious materials

Microstructural study of cement and its composites has immense significance from both fundamental and applied research points of view. Concrete, a mesoscale cementitious material, possesses high heterogeneity and inherent complex behavior. The multi-phases of concrete show an evolving nature at any instance of time, starting from the initiation of hydration to the complete maturity level. The hydration products and the aggregate-matrix Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) play a crucial role in defining the microstructural arrangement, which determines the mechanical and durability properties. Ultrasonic diffusion-based study has a unique advantage for characterising microstructural behavior in heterogeneous materials as it can decouple the different attenuating parameters- diffusivity (D) and dissipation (σ), where, D reflects the material microstructure and σ indicates the viscoelastic property of the base material. For that purpose, an ultrasonic diffusion study has been carried out in the present research for hydration monitoring in two scales, cement (micro-scale), and concrete (meso-scale) under different transmission modes. Ultrasonic measurements have been processed in the time-frequency domain to deduce the diffusivity and dissipation parameters using Spectral Energy Density distribution over the entire time window. The present research reveals the key findings as follows: (1) the influence of microstructure in ultrasonic wave propagation can be explicitly demonstrated using diffusion based analytical formulation and experimental results; (2) ultrasonic parameters (in terms of diffusivity and dissipation) can provide physical information on microstructural development in cementitious material during its hydration stage; and (3) the diffusion based method can distinguish the complex microstructural behavior across the scales of heterogeneity- micro-scale (cement paste) to meso-scale (concrete).

Study on early hydration and pore structure evolution of cement paste containing graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) significantly enhances cement hydration. This study investigates the effects of GO on the early hydration and pore structure evolution of cement paste by examining its impact on the setting time and mechanical properties of cement-based materials. In situ monitoring of the hydration process and microstructural changes was conducted using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The findings reveal that GO's nucleation effect accelerates cement hydration, reducing the setting time and increasing both the hydration rate and degree. Moreover, hydration products utilize GO as a template, leading to adjusted morphologies and enhanced interlinking of C–S–H gels. This results in a marked reduction in porosity and a denser microstructure within the cement paste. Consequently, the early mechanical properties of the cement paste are improved, with a significant increase in flexural strength observed at 72 hours. These results suggest that GO, which is cost-effective, size-controllable and suitable for mass production, holds great potential for applications in cement-based materials.

Deformation field evolution characteristics of layered cemented paste backfill and strength prediction based on ultrasonic pulse velocity

ABSTRACT This study focused on investigating the damage development mode and strength prediction model of layered cemented paste backfill (LCPB) using digital image correlation (DIC) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results indicated that the damage mode was associated with the cement-to-tailings (c/t) ratio and the height (h/H) ratio of the middle layer of LCPB. The damage mode of LCPB was mainly tensile damage for a small h/H ratio while increasing the h/H ratio to 0.8 resulted in LCPB exhibiting macroscopic shear damage. With the reduction of the c/t ratio, the damage area of LCPB gradually shifted from the upper layer to the middle layer. The UPV tended to decrease exponentially with both the decrease of the c/t ratio and the increase of the h/H ratio. Comparing the predicted and experimental values, the maximum error of the predicted values was only 0.299, and the value of the a20-index was 0.9792, indicating that the predictive model was reliable. The findings could provide guidance for the design of LCPB.

Mechanism of recalcification and its effects on the microstructure and transport properties of cement paste

Calcium leaching involves the removal of calcium ions from the pore solution and hydration products, leading to a decrease in pH, coarsening of pore structure, and, in severe cases, loss of cohesion, shrinkage, and cracking. Recalcification is a restoration process aiming at repairing degraded C-S-H structures by externally supplying calcium ions. However, our understanding of recalcification mechanism, its potential to reverse calcium leaching, and its effects on deteriorated cementitious matrices remains limited. This study aims at enhancing the understanding of the impact of recalcification on calcium leached cement pastes. Our findings demonstrate that calcium leaching can be partially reversed by immersion in a saturated calcium hydroxide solution. Recalcification functions by introducing calcium ions to the degraded matrix, triggering a reaction with the degraded C-S-H. This process reverses silicate polymerization, increases the Ca/Si ratio in the degraded zone’s, and densifies the pore structure. After only 14 days of recalcification, the degraded portion experienced a 50 % reduction in porosity, an increase in pH. By day 28, recalcification halved the permeability of the treated sample and completely consumed all silica gel. Additionally, our findings reveal that higher temperatures adversely affect the structure of C-S-H, hindering the beneficial structural modifications facilitated by recalcification.