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Effect of Basalt Powder on Hydration, Rheology, and Strength Development of Cement Paste
Jiaming Li1, Dehao Che1, Zhihao Liu1
1Research Center for Wind Engineering and Engineering Vibration, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2022
Summary
Basalt powder (BP) in cement weakens early hydration and rheology due to low calcium ion absorption. This results in reduced interfacial strength and overall lower cement paste strength.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Basalt materials, including basalt powder (BP), aggregate, and fiber, are frequently incorporated into cement-based materials.
- Understanding the impact of basalt on cement properties is crucial for optimizing its application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which basalt powder influences the fluidity, hydration, and strength of cement-based materials.
- To elucidate the role of calcium ion (Ca2+) interaction with basalt powder surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Zeta potential tests were conducted with varying Ca2+ concentrations using basalt powder.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe hydrate morphology.
- Rheological tests and crack/fracture characterization were performed to assess material properties.
Main Results:
- Basalt powder exhibits weaker Ca2+ absorption compared to cement and quartz particles, attributed to its surface chemistry.
- Reduced Ca2+ adsorption by BP weakens electrostatic repulsion, negatively impacting rheology and delaying calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) formation.
- The interfacial strength between BP and hydration products is low and does not improve over time, with minimal chemical reaction from BP.
Conclusions:
- Basalt powder's weak Ca2+ interaction significantly affects cement paste rheology and early hydration.
- The limited interfacial bonding and dilution effect from substituting cement with BP lead to decreased cement paste strength.
Keywords:
CSH formationcrack propagationinert fillerinter-particle forceinterface strengthsurface propertiesMore Related Videos
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