Comparison of effects of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate on the hydration and properties of Portland cement paste

Abstract

Carbonates and bicarbonates are two groups of accelerators which can be used in sprayed concrete. In this study, the effects of the two accelerators sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight of ordinary Portland cement OPC) on the properties of OPC paste were compared. The results show that both of them could accelerate the initial and final setting time of OPC paste, but the effect of the two accelerators on the compressive strength were different. After 1 day, sodium bicarbonate at 3% had the highest strength while sodium carbonate at 1% had the highest strength. After 7 days, both of the two accelerators at 1% had the highest compressive strength. After 28 days, the compressive strength decreased with the increase of the two. The improved strength at 1 and 7 days was caused by the accelerated formation of ettringite and the formation of CaCO3 through the reactions between the two with portlandite. The decrease of strength was caused by the Na+ could reduce the adhesion between C-S-H gel by replacing the Ca2+. NaHCO3 was found be a better accelerator than Na2CO3.