ISSN: 0149-6123
CODEN: CCAGPD
Page Count: 6

An Analysis of Factors Affecting Particle-Size Distribution of Hydraulic Cements
Lum, L-SH
Group leader, Ceramics Division, and chemical engineer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, MD

Malghan, SG
Group leader, Ceramics Division, and chemical engineer, National Institute of Standards and Technology, MD

Abstract

Particle-size distribution of hydraulic cements plays an indispensable role in controlling the product quality and maintaining reliable performance in end applications. Selection of particle-size measurement methods is becoming increasingly complex due to the availability of a variety of instruments based on different measurement principles. This paper discusses the primary criteria to be met by a particle-size distribution analzer for applications in hydraulic cement characterization. Among the several methods available for measuring the particle-size distribution, a light diffraction technique was utilized to examine the effect of dispersion solvents on the resulting size distribution. Distilled water, distilled water containing a polyacrylate surfactant, isopropyl alcohol, and a commercially available organic surfactant were used as dispersion solvents. The resulting data are analyzed with respect to variations due to the dispersion solvents and factors responsible for the observed variations.

Keywords:
particle-size distribution, hydraulic cements, dispersion in solvents, methods of size analysis, light scattering, instrument selection, sample preparation

Paper ID: CCA10127J
DOI: 10.1520/CCA10127J
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