Performance improvement of magnesium oxychloride cement via nanoparticles-enhanced organic–inorganic hybrid network

It is a big challenge to improve both water resistance and mechanical properties for magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC). In this paper, hydroxyapatite (HA)/polyester (PEs) was introduced to improve both properties of MOC. The HA was evenly dispersed and had a good interfacial compatibility with the polyester, forming a stable nanoparticle reinforced organic–inorganic hybrid network (HAPEs). By introducing the organic–inorganic hybrid structure into MOC, the adverse effects caused by the uneven dispersion of nanoparticles can be avoided. The softening coefficient of the obtained MOC-HAPEs1.2% was 0.98, increasing by 206% compared to unmodified MOC. The enhanced water resistance was associated with the molecular network structure and abundant cross-linking points of the HAPEs. In the meantime, the mechanical properties of MOC were slightly improved. Moreover, the setting time of MOC was prolonged, which was conducive to the operability of its construction.