Impact of fosroc grinding aid on setting time of cement

Abstract

The usage of Grinding Aids (GAs) in cement factories has demonstrated interesting results in improving the performance of cements. It is well known that grinding aids have a chemical effect on cement chemistry and some of its specific properties that is why this research was undertaken. This research project was undertaken to evaluate the impact of FOSROC Grinding Aid on the setting time of cement while maintaining optimal compressive strength at the same time. This GA was added in small increasing amounts/dosages starting with a blank sample (No GA). The tested cement properties included water demand, Blaine fineness, setting times and compressive strength. The results showed that the use of higher concentrations of GAs can lead to significant improvements in the performance of cements characterized by reduced setting times and higher compressive strengths. Compared with the control/blank sample, Initial setting times were significantly reduced from 250 (0 % of GA) to 223 minutes (3g of GA) and 287 (0%) and 111 (3g) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. Final setting times reduced from 340 (0 % of GA) to 303 minutes (3g of GA) and 371 (0%) to 232 (3g of GA) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. However, the2 days compressive strength increased slightly by 4.49 and 4.7% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Ordinary Portland Cement. 5.1 and 7.3% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Pozzolanic Portland Cement.