Utilization and performance evaluation of molasses as a retarder and plasticizer for calcium sulfoaluminate cement-based mortar

摘要

The objectives of this study are to utilize and investigate the performance of molasses as a retarder and plasticizer for calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and examine the effects of molasses on the hydration reaction, microstructure, and mechanical properties of CSA cement mortar. In this study, experiments were conducted to measure the setting time, hydration heat flow, and workability of the fresh CSA cement pastes and mortars with different molasses dosages (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%). The density, water absorption, voids contents, and pore size distribution were determined at 28 days. Further, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted at various ages. The results show that molasses can retard the hydration reaction and improve the workability without compromising the mechanical properties of CSA cement mortar. This study concludes that molasses is a suitable retarder and plasticizer for CSA cement. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.