The effect of rutin on the early-age hydration of oil well cement at varying temperatures

This paper studied the effect of rutin on the early-age hydration of oil well cement when the rutin concentration was in the range of 0–0.075% and the temperature was in the range of 60 °C–80 °C. The adsorption of rutin on cement particles and the effects of rutin on the thickening time and hydration heat of cement paste were analyzed. The results revealed that rutin had a strong adsorption energy and adsorption capacity for cement particles, prolonging the induction period of cement hydration and the thickening time of cement paste. The adsorption capacity of rutin on cement particles increased linearly with the increase of equilibrium concentration of rutin. High temperature reduced the adsorption energy and adsorption capacity of rutin, and shortened the thickening time of cement paste. In addition, the compressive strength, pore structure and hydration products of hardened cement pastes (HCPs) were studied. The delay of the early hydration (within 48 h) of cement by rutin decreased the one-day compressive strength of HCP at 60 °C and 70 °C. However, the compressive strengths of HCPs containing rutin met the cementing demand. At 80 °C, 0.075% dosage of rutin had no significant effect on the compressive strength and provided enough thickening time for well cementing. The results proved that rutin can be used as an environmentally friendly retarder for oil well cement. •Rutin can effectively extend the thickening time of cement slurry.•The adsorption of rutin on cement particles is the main retarding mechanism.•Rutin slightly reduced the 1-day compressive strength.•Rutin can be used an environmentally friendly retarder for oil well cement.