Title:
Alkali-Extracted Semi-Refined (κ)-Carrageenan as Viscosity-Modifying Admixture for Cement Pastes: Paste-Scale Rheology and Early-Age Performance
Author(s):
Asma Boukhatem, Mahmoud Hayek, Kamal Bouarab, and Ammar Yahia
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
47-59
Keywords:
cement-based materials; mechanical properties; rheology; semi-refined (SR-) kappa (κ)-carrageenan; viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA)
DOI:
10.14359/51750599
Date:
7/1/2026
Abstract:
This study evaluates semi-refined (SR-) kappa (κ)-carrageenan extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii as a viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA) for cement pastes (water-cement ratio [w/c] = 0.43). Extraction parameters, potassium hydroxide (KOH) concentration (6 to 12%), temperature (104 to 176°F [40 to 80°C]), and residence time (1 to 3 hours) were varied, and the resulting materials were assessed for modified Bingham rheology (yield stress and plastic viscosity), viscoelastic properties (storage modulus and critical shear strain), structural build-up kinetics (build-up index), forced bleeding, hydration induction period, and early compressive strength. SR-(κ)-carrageenan produced under a low-severity operating point (6% KOH, 104°F [40°C], 1 hour) and dosed at 4% (by mass of water) increased yield stress from 0.21 to 0.42 lb/ft2(10 to 20 Pa) and plastic viscosity from 0.42 to 0.80 lb/ft–s (0.63 to 1.18 Pa∙s). It enhanced early-age rigidity and build-up from 9.29 to 22.03 lb/ft2∙s–3/2 (445 to 1055 Pa/s3/2) and reduced forced bleeding relative to the reference. The induction period increased moderately (from 1.4 to 2 hours), and no early-age strength penalty was observed at 1 and 7 days. Compared with pure R-(κ)-carrageenan, SR-(κ)-carrageenan maintained (κ)-carrageenan rheology and structural build-up kinetics while producing a smaller induction-time shift in this paste class. Within the tested matrix, dosages, and protocols, the test results support SR-(κ)-carrageenan as a cement-grade VMA candidate produced through processed Eucheuma seaweed/alkali-treated cottonii (PES/ATC)-aligned unit operations.
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