The mechanical properties of magnesium oxysulfate cement enhanced with 517 phase magnesium oxysulfate whiskers

A new magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement was prepared with the modification of sodium malate. The microscopic morphology of MOS cement was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterize the crystalline degree and molecular structure of MOS cement. The characterization results indicated that quantities of 517 phase magnesium oxysulfate whiskers were detected in the modified MOS cement. The flexural strength and water resistance of MOS cement were increased by the addition of sodium malate and the mechanism was also discussed according to the characterization results mentioned above.