Improvement of Strength Parameters of Cement Matrix with the Addition of Siliceous Fly Ash by Using Nanometric C-S-H Seeds

Abstract

Modification of a cement matrix using additives and admixtures has been a common practice for many years. The use of some mineral additives as substitutes for the cement, e.g., the siliceous fly ashes (FAs), has a positive effect on reducing the energy used in cement production. On the other hand, such activities may have negative effects due to the lowering of strength parameters of composites in early stages of curing. In order to solve this problem, over the last few years, thanks to the patented "seedings" technology, a branch of industry connected with the production of admixtures that accelerate the binding process has developed significantly. Therefore, the paper presents the results of research aimed at analyzing the parameters of FA cement matrix with the nanoadmixture containing the nanometric C-S-H seeds (nanoadmixture (NA)). By using the modern NA, an attempt was made to neutralize the negative influence of the used industrial waste on the structure of the cement matrix in the early stages of its curing. The paper presents the results of strength tests for the FA cement pastes modified by NA in seven test periods, i.e., after 8, 12, 24 and 72 h, and 7, 14 and 28 days. Additionally, hydration heat tests were carried out on the analyzed material in the first 24 hours of curing.