1University of Trinidad and Tobago, O'Meara Industrial Estate, O'Meara, Arima, Trinidad & Tobago, W. I..
2Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, W. I.
3Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, W. I..
The physical and mechanical properties of Portland cement admixed with lignosulphonic acid, sodium salt, acetate as a candidate plasticiser surfactant have been investigated. Plasticiser concentrations covered the range 0 - 0.5% and testing was done after 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days hydration. Compared with the control samples, 0.05% plasticiser concentration slightly reduced apparent porosity (and water absorption). However, at higher plasticiser concentrations, apparent porosity (and water absorption) progressively decreased and bulk density progressively increased. For samples aged for 7, 14 and 28 days, compressive strength progressively increased with increasing plasticiser concentration, optimized at 0.3% plasticiser concentration, then decreased significantly.
Portland cement, admixtures, hydration, physical properties, mechanical properties
