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Study on the Influence Mechanism of Core-Shell Emulsion Admixture on Rheological Properties of Cement Mortar
Shuncheng Xiang1, Rui Wang1, Jie Chen2
1Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Novel and Carbon Neutral Road Material, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel core-shell emulsion to regulate cement mortar rheology. The emulsion significantly enhances yield stress and optimizes structural stability and flowability without altering Bingham fluid behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Rheology
Background:
- Limited research exists on emulsion regulation mechanisms for cement-based material rheology and hydration coupling.
- Traditional studies focused on mechanical properties and durability, neglecting rheological control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rheological regulation mechanism of a novel core-shell emulsion in cement mortar.
- To elucidate the coupling mechanism between the emulsion admixture and cement hydration process.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a core-shell emulsion via free radical polymerization.
- Systematic investigation of rheological properties (yield stress, viscosity, thixotropy) at varying emulsion dosages (0-10%).
- Microstructural analysis using SEM, XRD, and FTIR to understand the action mechanism.
Main Results:
- The core-shell emulsion did not alter the Bingham fluid behavior of cement mortar but significantly impacted rheological parameters in a dosage-dependent manner.
- A critical regulation interval of 4-6% emulsion dosage was identified.
- Yield stress increased by 937.0% at 10% dosage; optimal static structural stability and flowability were achieved at 2-4% dosage, with 4% showing the weakest thixotropy.
- Modified mortars exhibited enhanced shear-thinning behavior without affecting high-shear flowability.
- Microstructural analysis revealed no chemical reactions; the emulsion formed a film on cement particles, influencing hydration via physical coating, pore filling, and network enhancement.
Conclusions:
- The core-shell emulsion effectively regulates cement mortar rheology and hydration through physical mechanisms.
- The emulsion offers a promising approach to optimize cement-based material performance for construction applications.
- Dosage optimization is crucial for achieving desired rheological and structural properties.
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