Application of a rotatable orthogonal central composite design to the optimization of the formulation and utilization of an useful plasticizer for cement

Abstract

Black liquor (BL), a by-product of Alfa pulping industry, is mixed with small amounts of sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde polymer (SNF) to give a useful cement dispersant having a durable action. In order to check the effect of three variables (the ratio water/cement, % black liquor, % SNF) on two properties of the cement grout (cement plasticity and cement plasticity loss), a rotatable orthogonal central composite design is set up. It is concluded from response surface and isoresponse curve studies that the level of plasticity is governed by the percentage of SNF while its durability is ensured by the percentage of the black liquor.