The influence of Triethanol amine and ethylene glycol on the grindability, setting and hydration characteristics of Portland cement

Triethanol amine and ethylene glycol are used as grinding aids for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Standard water of consistency, Blaine area, initial and final setting times and compressive strength are tested for OPC. The phase composition and microstructure of the formed hydrates are tested using DTA/TG and SEM techniques. Results showed that both the two GAs had a significant improvement in the performance of grinding mills. This is indicating by higher Blaine area when a dose of 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05wt. % are applied. Beside there are increase in the water demand (greater than 5%) for the all OPC mortar mixes admixed with triethanol amin or ethylene glycol at concentrations less than 0.05 wt.%. The improved hydration properties are reflected by an increase in the mechanical properties and microstructure of the mortar pastes admixed with the two GAs. This is with attributed to the increase in the cement fineness which leads to the progress in the degree of cement hydration.