Alireza Taheri; Alireza Jafari; Fatemeh Jafari
Abstract
The impact of adding nanosilica (NS) and polycarboxylate-ether plasticizer (PCE) admixtures was examined individually and in combination to aerial lime mortars. The inclusion of NS ...
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The impact of adding nanosilica (NS) and polycarboxylate-ether plasticizer (PCE) admixtures was examined individually and in combination to aerial lime mortars. The inclusion of NS alone resulted in an increase in water demand, as evidenced by the mini-spread flow test. Through particle size distribution studies, zeta potential measurements, and optical microscopy, it was observed that an interaction occurred between NS and hydrated lime particles in fresh mixtures, leading to the formation of agglomerates. This synthesis was performed at three different temperature levels, and the resulting product underwent FTIR analysis to verify its structure. Furthermore, an HNMR test was conducted to confirm the completion of the final synthesis. To determine the characteristics of the synthesized polycarboxylate ether, including the average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution curve, a GPC analysis (Gel permeation chromatography) was carried out. The MW and PDI (polydispersity index) values were reported, and finally, a slump test was performed to confirm the performance of the synthesized product. The length of the main chain in the copolymer increases as the synthesis temperature rises. This increase is more pronounced at higher temperatures. However, temperatures exceeding 70 C can lead to the destruction of the copolymer, resulting in a decrease in viscosity and a change in the solution color. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the primary synthesis at 70 C for 8 hours.
