Title: Effect of Clinker Grinding Aids on Static Yield Stress of Cement Pastes

Author(s): Joseph J. Assaad and Salim E. Asseily

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 302

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 11-24

Keywords: amine; cement; clinker; glycol; grinding aids; phenol; static yield stress

DOI: 10.14359/51688081

Date: 6/1/2015

Abstract:
The impact of clinker grinding aids (GAs) based on amine, glycol, or phenol on static yield stress (t0) of cement pastes is not well understood. Results obtained from this project have shown that GA molecules remain active after the grinding process and provide variations in cement properties, whether in the fresh or hardened states. Flowability improved and t0 decreased when the cement is ground using increased GA concentrations. This was attributed to the adsorption of these molecules onto the cement grains and saturation of surface charges, thus creating repulsive forces between neighboring particles. The decrease in t0 was particularly pronounced when phenol-based GA was used, given the presence of polycarboxylate polymers that help dispersing cement particles upon mixing with water.