Synthesis and Characterization of Portland Cement
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Schuman, Thomas P.
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Portland cement is dehydrated limestone mixed with gypsum (calcium sulfate), which inhibits hydration from instantaneous reaction to about five hours. This becomes a problem when the cement ' sets ' right in the truck and ruins the truck's mixing drum. At the same time, if cement were to be poured or applied, it takes another roughly another five hours for it to set. Hydration of Portland cement was found to be susceptible to being delayed for up to about ten hours up to twenty-two hours through surface modifications using various combinations of certain compounds. However, this also poses a problem on when the cement can be useful because it forces it users to wait for the duration of the delay. With that, this project aims to determine ways of the 'reactivate' the hydration process of Portland cement when desired. This is significant because it allows construction companies to reduce the waste of unused hardened cement and to transport cement without worrying about its 'lifespan' inside a truck. Lastly, this benefits companies financially as they will lessen the maintenance needed for trucks and the cost of materials used.
Biography
Gladwin Bryan Labrague is a current junior majoring in Chemistry with emphasis in Polymers and Coatings Science. He currently works as a tutor at the Student Success Center and as an Orientation Leader in the New Student Programs of Missouri S&T. Aside from chemistry, Gladwin also likes creative arts. He is currently the president and layout editor of the Southwinds Creative Arts Magazine of the Department of English and Technical Communication at Missouri S&T. On his leisure time, he likes to play tennis and learn about fashion and grooming.
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Proposal Oral Applicant
Document Type
Presentation
Award
2021-2022 OURE Fellows scholarship recipient
Presentation Date
29 Apr 2017, 9:45 am - 10:00 am
Synthesis and Characterization of Portland Cement
Portland cement is dehydrated limestone mixed with gypsum (calcium sulfate), which inhibits hydration from instantaneous reaction to about five hours. This becomes a problem when the cement ' sets ' right in the truck and ruins the truck's mixing drum. At the same time, if cement were to be poured or applied, it takes another roughly another five hours for it to set. Hydration of Portland cement was found to be susceptible to being delayed for up to about ten hours up to twenty-two hours through surface modifications using various combinations of certain compounds. However, this also poses a problem on when the cement can be useful because it forces it users to wait for the duration of the delay. With that, this project aims to determine ways of the 'reactivate' the hydration process of Portland cement when desired. This is significant because it allows construction companies to reduce the waste of unused hardened cement and to transport cement without worrying about its 'lifespan' inside a truck. Lastly, this benefits companies financially as they will lessen the maintenance needed for trucks and the cost of materials used.
