The1HT 1 study of the influence of clay addition on Portland cement hydration

Effects of addition of three standard clay minerals, Na-montmorillonite, illite and kaolinite, on Portland cement hydration properties were studied. The¹H spin-lattice relaxation of exchangeable water was monitored during hydration time and the data were processed by spin-grouping analysis. The values and evolution dynamics of both resolvedT ₁ components and corresponding magnetization fractions show that each day mineral lowers the fluidity of Portland cement paste and accelerates its hydration in dormant. In advanced stages of hydration, the Na-montmorillonite provides the accelerating influence, while the kaolinite exhibits the retarding effect. The final values of gel pores to capillaries percentage fractions ratio indicate a slightly lower porosity of samples with Namontmorillonite and a higher porosity of pastes with the same percentage of illite or kaolinite, regarding to the pure hardened Portland cement.