Effect of Paraffin Oil Nanoemulsion as a Hydrophobic Modifier on Cement Paste Workability and Hydration
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 4
Abstract
How to realize hydrophobic modification of the capillary wall of cement-based materials is still a challenge. The hydrophobic modifier in the emulsion type is more promising than the original form due to the good compatibility with cement paste for integral hydrophobic modification of cementitious materials. Their influence on cement hydration and fresh-state behavior is less concerned. In this study, low-cost and nanoscale paraffin oil emulsion (POE) was first prepared as a new hydrophobic modifier. POE was then mixed with cement pastes to investigate its influence on hydrophobicity, cement hydration, compressive strength, and fresh-state behavior. Furthermore, the absorption of POE with cement paste was studied by zeta potential measurement and organic carbon analysis to clarify the associated micromechanisms. The results indicated that the incorporated POE could improve the integral hydrophobicity of hardened cement paste and decrease the capillary water absorption as well. Meanwhile, due to the hydrogen-bond interaction between the ─ OH group of POE and the ─ OH group of cement or hydration products, POE adsorbs onto the surface of cement and results in a reduction of water demand for standard consistency of cement pastes. In addition, a decrease in cement hydration degree, prolonged setting time, and increase in workability can be observed. These findings can provide important guidelines for the development of hydrophobic cementitious materials.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52108261) and Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (2021JJ40768).
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 4 • April 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 29, 2023
Accepted: Sep 27, 2023
Published online: Jan 25, 2024
Published in print: Apr 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jun 25, 2024
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