Influence of ultrafine natural steatite powder on setting time and strength development of cement

Abstract

This paper deals with the setting time and pozzolanic activity of cement when ultra fine natural steatite powder (UFNSP) is used as replacement for cement. Initial setting time, final setting time, and mortar cube strength were studied, due to the replacement of ultra fine natural steatite powder with cement at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by mass of cement. The setting time of fresh cement-binder paste and compressive strength of mortar cubes are observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to investigate the microstructural behaviour and chemical element distribution inside cement-binder matrix. Results indicate that the length of dormant period is shortened. The replacement of ultra fine natural steatite powder with cement reduces initial setting time, and final setting time and increases mortar cube compressive strength. © 2014 K. Sudalaimani and M. Shanmugasundaram.