Performance and durability of rendering and basecoat mortars for ETICS with CSA and portland cement

Abstract

The production of Portland cement (OP) is commonly associated to significant level of energy consumption and gas emissions. The use of calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) can be a sustainable alternative binder, since its production releases about half of the CO2 emissions and its clinker requires 200 °C lower temperatures, when compared to OP. Furthermore, CSA has fast setting time and achieves higher strength in shorter periods, as well as reduced shrinkage. This paper discusses the incorporation of CSA in rendering mortars and basecoat mortars for ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems). The physical-mechanical properties of mortars made with OP and CSA cements were experimental evaluated. The results showed that the introduction of CSA generally improves shrinkage, compressive strength, water absorption at low pressure, enhances the tensile bending strength and decreases the setting time. The amount of CSA introduced into the mixture significantly affected the properties of the cement matrix.