Ebru Dengiz Özcan

Newly developed polymer-based grinding chemicals demonstrate superior dispersion, grinding, and strength outcomes compared to traditional amine-based additives. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the improved performance of polymers in the grinding process. It examines the influence of polymer-based grinding aids (A1-A2-A3) on the hydrophobicity and rheological behavior of CEM I 42.5 R Portland cement. A systematic analysis was conducted using six different grinding aids, comprising three synthesized polycarboxylate ether (PCE)-based polymers and three commercial amine group products. Key properties, including surface tension, hydrophobicity (water contact angle, WCA), slump flow, FT-IR, and rheological parameters, were evaluated. Among the compounds tested, the A2 polymer exhibited the most favorable performance, achieving a high contact angle (131.7°), low surface tension (56.7 dyn/cm), and enhanced mortar fluidity (25 cm slump flow). FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed strong interactions between A2 and cement particles, particularly in the CH₃ bonding regions. Rheological analyses further revealed that A2—2.5 g significantly decreased viscosity and improved shear stress response, indicating superior dispersion and water reduction capability. The findings highlight A2 as a promising eco-efficient additive for enhancing the efficiency, performance, and workability of cementitious systems through polymer-based grinding technology.

Polymer-based superplasticizers represent an emerging class of additives in cement and concrete production with demonstrated effects on zeta potential, ion exchange, turbidity and rheological behavior during hydration. This study examines the influence of polymer-based grinding aids focusing on the dosage of A2 on the grinding performance of Portland cement. Among the tested additives, A2 exhibited superior dispersing ability and agglomeration-preventing activity, yielding a zeta potential of −8.98 mV. Correspondingly, the release of the ion concentration of Ca²⁺ decreased to 190 mg/L, while SO₄²⁻ increased to 400 mg/L, indicating enhanced ionic interaction at the optimal A2 dosage of 2.5 g. The turbidity tests further revealed that cement samples ground with 2.5 g of A2 remained homogeneously suspended for longer periods compared to other additives. Overall, the analysis of cement surface properties confirmed that polymer-based grinding aids, particularly A2, significantly improve the dispersion stability of cement particles during grinding.