Mineralogical study of polymer modified mortar with silica fume

Experimental investigation on the effects of styrene acrylic polymer and silica fume on the mineralogical composition of pastes of high-early-strength portland cement after 28 days of casting are presented in this paper. Thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry were used to study the interaction between polymers and cements, and the extent of pozzolanic reaction of mortars with silica fume. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction were also used to investigate the cement hydration according to the additions. The results showed that the addition of silica fume and polymer reduces the portlandite formation due to delaying of portland cement hydration and pozzolanic reaction.