Characteristics of Steam-Cured Carbon Amino Silica Black Mortar Using a Methyl Cellulose Polymer

Along with the increase in the demand for existing colored concrete, the demand for secondary concrete products of various colors is also increasing. However, the initial surplus water in mortar causes the internal calcium component to leach out and contaminate the surface, and the hardening of concrete that contains pigment is generally slower than that of normal concrete. This study was to evaluate the physical properties of mortar colored by carbon amino silica black (CASB), using a methyl cellulose (MC) polymer to reduce surface efflorescence and increase early strength by means of steam curing. MC modifies the mechanical properties of mortar by forming a polymer film, which prevents the soluble calcium from migrating to the surface and reduces whitening in steam cured mortar. However, steam curing significantly decreased the strength with increasing MC content when CASB content was high.