Kinetic impact of Mg lignosulfonate plasticizer on C ₃ A hydration

Abstract

Numerous publications have been devoted to the question of how common admixtures and other chemicals influence the hydration kinetics of Portland cement or single clinker phases. Tricalcium aluminate (C ₃ A) was subject of such studies as its reaction strongly impacts the early rheology of Portland cement pastes. The current publication examines the influence of a commercial magnesium lignosulfonate‐based plasticizer on the hydration of C ₃ A and C ₃ A‐gypsum pastes. At high additions, the plasticizer suppresses the initial dissolution of C ₃ A and provokes an aluminate peak in isothermal calorimetry as well. The influence and interaction of the chemical components of the plasticizer in the hydration of C ₃ A is discussed.