Early performances of cement paste in the presence of triethanolamine: Rheology, setting and microstructural development

The effect of triethanolamine (TEA) at various dosages on the early performance of cement paste was systematically evaluated through the techniques of rheological measurements, penetration tests, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The correlation of early performance to the chemical hydration process was analyzed by calorimetry, zeta potential, in situ XRD, and pore solution analysis. It is found that the effect of TEA on the early performance of cement paste is strongly dependent on its dosage. With the TEA dosage below 0.1 wt%, the setting and microstructural development of cement paste are retarded. Meanwhile, the yield stress of fresh paste is decreased due to the increasing zeta potential of cement grains. The promoted formation of ettringite (AFt) and monosulfate (AFm) caused by TEA decreases the rheological retention ability. At dosages >= 0.2 wt%, the reaction of aluminate-containing phases is greatly accelerated and a flash setting is observed. Besides, the importance of ferric phase on the reaction of cement with TEA is highlighted. At a low dosage, TEA prefers to accelerate the dissolution of tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C(4)AF) first and increases the [Fe] in the pore solution of cement paste. In cement without C(4)AF, the retardation of TEA on silicate phase hydration is significantly alleviated.

Automated summary

The impact of triethanolamine (TEA) on the early performance of cement paste is closely related to its dosage, with low dosage retarding setting and microstructural development while increasing flowability of fresh paste. Higher dosages accelerate reactions and lead to flash setting, with the importance of ferric phase highlighted.