6533b827fe1ef96bd1286b92

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Modelling the cement-latex interactions : experimental and simulation approach : Consequences on the rheological propertiec

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Latex is used in industrial mortars to improve the material properties. This behaviour is obviously related to the interactions between cement phases and latex which are still not understood. In this frame, the aim of the present work is to understand the role of latexes in mortar in particular how the various latex characteristics, such as the latex chemistry surface, or the latex size, influence the characteristics of this complex granular system. The major issue concerns the reactivity of the cement: indeed, several parameters are modified during cement hydration which governs the development of the paste mechanical properties. Consequently in order to avoid side effects due to cement hydration, we studied the effect of different latexes on an inert model system able to mimic cement paste. Three different latexes differing from each other in their size and also in their surface charge and surface chemistry were used. The distribution of the different latexes between the interstitial solution and the mineral surface was evaluated using microscopy methods for different latex amounts and correlated to mechanical characteristics of the paste estimated from dynamic rheometry measurements.The adsorption measurements are performed on a flat surface (glass slide) covered by C-S-H in equilibrium with saturated lime solution. The adsorption of latex particles on mineral surface is observed by Atomic Force Microscopy for the smallest latex (210nm) and optical microscopy for the biggest one (1µm). The results obtained show a difference of adsorption latex and how the particles are arranged onto the surface. For the same mass of latex introduced initially, the charged latex are the most adsorbed and appear more aggregated than no charged latex, the small latex is adsorbed more than the big one. The latex filmification is not observed in the case of our study. Qualitatively, the numerical simulations using Monte Carlo simulations are in agreement with experiments.Concerning the rheological measurements, we used calcite suspensions in equilibrium with saturated lime solution. The results report the contribution of different latex characteristics on mechanical properties of mineral particles and latex networks. The critical strain (maximum strain supported by the solid network) increases with the amount of latex.