Effect of pyrocatechin on hydration of Portland cement in the early period

The influence of pyrocatechin on hydration of Portland cement in dosages of 0.02-0.1% by weight was investigated by solid-state NMR spectroscopy of nuclei 27Al and 29Si. It was found that pyrocatechin promotes the release of aluminum from silicate and aluminum-containing clinker phases and stimulates the formation of ettringite. The effect of pyrocatechin increases with increase in its content in the cement paste; with pyrocatechin at a dosage of 0.1% by wt. the paste sets instantly.

Author: A.S. Brykov, N.S. Paritskaya, M.V. Mokeev

Section: Science and production

Keywords: pyrocatechin, Portland cement, hydration, setting, ettringite, NMR spectroscop