Hydration kinetics and phase evolution of Portland cement composites containing sodium-montmorillonite functionalized with a Non-Ionic surfactant

This study investigates the hydration behavior and phase evolution of portland cement composites containing montmorillonite (MT) with an objective to address poor dispersion improve physical features chemical reactivity MT through functionalization a non-ionic surfactant (polyethylene glycol ether). After functionalization, exhibited enlarged layer spacing (122%), organic bonds intercalated, improved in concrete pore solutions, reduced moisture sorption capacity. The functionalized showed enhanced hydration, less portlandite, more calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) aluminum-containing hydrates, densified microstructure, higher strength than raw MT.