Effect of polycarboxylate superplasticiser on properties of calcium aluminate cement mortar

Abstract

The effect of polycarboxylate ether (PCE)-based superplasticiser on the fresh and hardened properties of calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based materials was investigated. Cohesion of the fresh mortar was improved by addition of methyl cellulose, thus avoiding segregation induced by the superplasticiser action. As PCE significantly retarded the setting time, lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) was investigated as an accelerator by calorimetric measurements. Compressive and flexural strengths, porosity and dynamic modulus were tested after 1 d and 9 d cured at 23°C and after transformation of metastable hydration products to stable ones at 60°C. The combined usage of PCE with methyl cellulose and lithium carbonate showed promising superplasticising properties for CAC that improved properties of the material.