Analysis of the effect of composite peat-based hydrophobically-modifying additives on the properties of Portland cement and cement mortar

This article examines constraints on the use of peat additives for hydrophobic modification of cement in conjunction with the current technological processes of industrial cement production. The effects of complex hydrophobic modifying additives (HMAs) prepared using different combinations of peat, the organosilicon NGL-94 and oleic acid on the properties of cement and cement mortars are investigated in a series of experiments that emulate industrial processes. The main advantages and disadvantages of the experimental compositions of the modified cement are determined in terms of physical and mechanical properties of the eventual mortar when set. The reduction in strength of the experimental samples is caused by the high air content of the cement paste, which can be linked to short-cuts in modern experimental methods. On the basis of the results, a method is proposed for industrial use of composite HMAs in Portland cement production that incorporates additional ingredients to suppress the entrainment of air into the hardening cement mortar and makes it possible to produce hydrophobically-modified cement that fully meets the requirements of modern standards.