The efficiency of plasticizing surfactants in alkali-activated cement mortars and concretes

Abstract

Functionality of mortar and concrete mixes is regulated by surfactants, which act as plasticizers. The molecular structure of these admixtures can be changed during hydration of alkali-activated cements (AAC). The objective was to determine the chemical nature of plasticizers effective for property modification of mortars and concretes based on AACs with changing content of granulated blast furnace slag from 0 to 100 %. The admixtures without ester links become more effective than polyesters when content of alkaline component increase. The admixtures effective in high alkaline medium were used in dry mixes for anchoring (consistency of mortar 150 mm by Vicat cone; 1 d tensile strength in bending / compressive strength of mortar 6.6 /30.6 MPа) and in readymixed concretes (consistency class changed from S1 to S3, S4 with consistency safety during 60 min; 3 d compressive strength of modified concrete was not less than the reference one without admixtures).