Effects of ultrasonic treatment on wet mineralization of cement powder
摘要
In this study, an ultrasonic-assisted wet mineralization process is developed using ordinary Portland cement as the raw material. This approach is designed to advance the use of mineralization technologies in construction materials by simultaneously enhancing mechanical properties and mineralization efficiency. A comprehensive microstructural analysis is conducted to elucidate the underlying mineralization mechanisms facilitated by ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, an industrial-scale implementation framework is developed to support the practical application of this technique. We find that the pH variation during the process follows three distinct stages: a rapid drop, a plateau, and a gradual decline. During the same wet mineralization period, the content of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in the ultrasonic-assisted cement suspension is increased by 16.02%. Ultrasonic-assisted treatment improves the degree of mineralization and suppresses the growth of large crystals. Moreover, the incorporation of wet mineralization-treated suspensions into cement pastes significantly increases the compressive strength of the cementitious system. The most notable enhancement is observed when ultrasonic-assisted wet mineralization is conducted for 15 min, which results in a 25.78% increase in 1-d compressive strength and a 12.20% improvement in 28-d compressive strength. A 25-min ultrasonic-assisted treatment gives the greatest reduction in setting time, shortening the initial setting time by 19.46% and the final setting time by 12.98%. Based on a calculated ultrasonic mineralization energy efficiency factor, we determine that the ultrasonic-assisted wet mineralization process achieves its highest efficiency within the first 5 min. Prolonged mineralization results in a noticeable decline in mineralization efficiency.