Speaker
Description
Modern dry mortar formulations require precise hydration control to address performance, sustainability, and supply chain considerations. The OPC–CAC system is a ternary binder composed of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC), and a calcium sulfate source such as anhydrite or hemihydrate. This combination is commonly used in applications including self-leveling underlayments, tile adhesives, and repair mortars where fast setting and high performance are required.
This study examines the use of hydration control additives (HyCon® R), which function as selective ettringite retarders. These additives provide control over early hydration, workability, and strength development in ternary CAC-based systems. Key performance indicators such as mechanical strength and setting time were evaluated, with XRD and calorimetry employed to analyze hydration kinetics. HyCon® R was found to delay ettringite nucleation without impacting its growth rate, resulting in changes to flow retention, early strength development, and dimensional stability. These effects may contribute to performance characteristics and potential material savings without compromising mechanical properties. Additionally, the system has the potential to reduce lithium usage, supporting certain sustainability objectives.
Affiliations
BASF Construction Additives GmbH, 83308 Trostberg, Germany
| Keywords | Calcium aluminate cement, retarder, hydration control |
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