Hydration kinetics of calcium sulphate hemihydrate modified by water-soluble polymers

Abstract

Pastes based on gypsum (calcium sulphate hemihydrate) and two chosen water-soluble polymer admixtures, i.e. hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose (HEMC) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAC) were prepared. The impacts of the polymers on gypsum setting, as well as thermal and mechanical properties were studied. Heat effect and the rate of setting depending on water to gypsum ratio and the presence of admixtures were measured. The results have shown a strong effect of the polymer admixture (1%) on the prolongation of gypsum setting time. The presence of polymer molecules in water solution hinders the crystallization process of gypsum dihydrate. HEMC and PVAC have also a significant influence on gypsum mechanical properties especially at low water content. Kinetics of the setting process of gypsum hemihydrate is discussed.