Influence of LiAl-layered double hydroxides with 3D micro-nano structures on the properties of calcium sulphoaluminate cement clinker

The effect of LiAl-layered double hydroxides (LiAl-LDHs) with 3D micro-nano structures on the early properties and hydration process of calcium sulphoaluminate cement (CSAC) clinker was investigated. Three LiAl layered double hydroxides (LiAl-LDHs) with different particle size were prepared through a facile solvothermal method. CSAC clinker incorporating LiAl-LDHs with constant water to cement radio were made and tested. The results indicate that a higher content of LiAl-LDHs resulted in a faster hydration rate, a shorter setting time and a higher early compressive strength. Besides, with the decrease of the particle size of LiAl-LDHs, the hydration rate was accelerated with corresponding increase in compressive strength. However, the influence of particle size of LiAl-LDHs on the setting time of CSAC clinker is not significant. Moreover, the addition of LiAl-LDHs did not result in a new phase formed, but increased the quantity of hydration products providing higher compressive strength and shorter setting time.