Modifying admixtures to cement compositions produced from local raw materials

Durability of hardened cement paste depends on chemical and mineralogical composition of Portland cement. The main factor for hardened cement paste is higher content of calcium aluminate and free calcium hydroxide, binding of which into water-insoluble compounds causes increase in resistance to water, frost and corrosion. The purpose of this research is to develop modifying admixtures to cement compositions based on local raw material - rock sand. Chemical and mineralogical properties of the source materials were studied using X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Standard methods were used for defining physico-mechanical properties of sand and binder. Influence of the degree of mechanochemical activation of modifying admixture on the properties of binder and hardened cement paste made on its basis was studied. Research methods of scanning electron microscopy and spectral measurements were applied. The possibility of using admixture based on rock sand as a modifier was determined, its usage providing increase of strength, sulphate and frost resistance, which causes higher durability of cement concrete.