The role of tricalcium aluminate and gypsum dehydration level in cement for effective air entrainment of concrete

In this paper, the role of tricalcium aluminate (C(3)A) and gypsum dehydration level in the air-entraining mechanism in concrete was studied. A higher-performance air system was achieved when anionic surfactant was used, C(3)A content was higher and gypsum dehydration didn't occur. Adsorption on cement particles dominates the air-entraining mechanism when anionic admixture is used. Anionic surfactant performs higher quality air microstructure than cationic, despite much lower surface tension reduction. Thus, the adsorption of admixture had a major role in the effective air-entraining mechanism process. This effect has significant implications on the selection of the best-suited surfactants, cement optimum composition and the cement production procedure for the highest frost resistance concretes used for roads and bridges.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the role of tricalcium aluminate (C(3)A) and gypsum dehydration level in the air-entraining mechanism in concrete. A higher-performance air system can be achieved by using anionic surfactant, higher C(3)A content, and preventing gypsum dehydration. Adsorption on cement particles dominates the air-entraining mechanism when anionic admixture is used. Despite lower surface tension reduction, anionic surfactant performs higher quality air microstructure. The adsorption of admixture plays a major role in the effective air-entraining mechanism process.