Effects of pre-treatment of rattan (Laccosperma secundiflorum) on the hydration of Portland cement and the development of a new compatibility index

Effects of aqueous extraction, sieving, mixing with coconut husk and addition of calcium chloride on the compatibility of Laccosperma secundiflorum rattan with Portland cement, in terms of hydration inhibition, were investigated. Compatibility was assessed based on maximum hydration temperature, time taken to attain maximum temperature and area under the hydration heating rate curve relative to that of neat cement. Alternative cement–lignocellulosics compatibility classification method was also developed. Untreated rattan particles were found inhibitory to cement hydration. However, sieving coupled with extraction in cold water for 60 min greatly improved the compatibility. Hot water extraction had no advantage over cold water extraction for the species. Adding cold water-extracted coconut husk to the species also improved its compatibility. The proposed compatibility index, based on the ratio of the setting times of wood–cement mixture and neat cement, yielded satisfactory results comparable to propositions from previous researchers.