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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/K56568/01
Title: IMPROVED PHYSICO-CHEMICAL/MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT/CONCRETE BY NOVEL CHEMICAL MEANS
Principal Investigator: Kendall, Professor K
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
BNFL British Ceramic Research Ltd Cape Building Products Ltd
Castle Cement Pre Nexus Migration
Department: Sch of Chemistry & Physics
Organisation: Keele University
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 08 January 1996 Ends: 07 July 1999 Value (£): 164,079
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The mechanical and durability properties of products made from Portland cement (including the disadvantageous properties of low tensile strength and high permeability) are determined largely by the residual porosity of the cement paste matrix. This is determined by the mechanisms by which the major anhydrous phases form to fill space and bond the material. In cement paste, silicate does not go into solution in water due to the formation of a protective membrane as grain surfaces. We have found a class of additive which, by inhibiting such membrane formations allows us all components of the anhydrous solids (Ca2+ OH- and silicate anions) to dissolve into the aqueous phase. The additive is polymeric and is eventually precipitated as a polymer-ionomer complex containing bound Ca2+ and silicate throughout the intergrain aqueous-filled space as a dense, glassy solid. Porosity and pore connectivity are reduced with hardness, wear resistance and strength increased. No significant change is needed to the conventional mixing and casting technology used in construction. There should be very significant benefits to the structural design engineer and major benefits as regards structural durability, re-bar corrosion etc. This programme seeks to understand and optimise these effects, to demonstrate real improvement in products and to translate the new technology into industry.
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Organisation Website: http://www.keele.ac.uk