Effects of Lithium Carbonate and Superplasticizer on Ultra-Early Strength of Alite-Ye’elimite-Belite-Ferrite Cement

TL;DR

This study shows that adding lithium carbonate and superplasticizer can boost the ultra-early strength of a special type of cement used in urgent construction.

Contribution

The novel use of lithium carbonate and superplasticizer to enhance the ultra-early strength of AYBFC is demonstrated.

Findings

Lithium carbonate significantly improves the ultra-early strength of AYBFC by promoting hydration.

Adding superplasticizer further increases compressive strength by improving matrix compactness.

Superplasticizer slightly inhibits hydration but still benefits strength due to better compaction.

Abstract

Alite-ye’elimite-belite-ferrite cement (AYBFC) integrates the advantages of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and Portland cement, but its ultra-early strength needs to be further improved when applied to rush repair and construction works. In this study, the ultra-early strength of AYBFC was improved using lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and superplasticizer. The results showed that an appropriate amount of Li2CO3 could significantly improve the ultra-early strength of AYBFC, since it was capable of promoting the hydration reaction of AYBFC. After polycarboxylate superplasticizer was doped on this basis, the ultra-early compressive strength of AYBFC was further improved. This was because the superplasticizer could markedly enhance the matrix compactness despite its inhibitory effect on the hydration reaction of cement and the generation of hydration products.

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