The role of calcium formate in supersulfated cement: A multiscale study on hydration mechanisms, pore structure and environmental benefits
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research investigates the role of calcium formate (CF) in enhancing the hydration, microstructure, and mechanical performance of supersulfated cement (SSC). The environmental impact of SSC-CF systems was evaluated. Hydration kinetics revealed that 3 wt% CF (SSC-3CF) shortened the induction period by 1.2 h and advanced the main exothermic peak by 1.3 h. Analysis based on the Krstulović-Dabić model indicated that CF primarily enhances the nucleation and crystal growth process, increasing the reaction rate constant K NG , with an optimum at 3 wt% CF. The addition of 3 wt% CF reduced total porosity by 33.27 % at 1 d, minimized large capillary pores and increased fine capillary pores, yielding a denser structure. SSC-3CF exhibited significantly higher compressive strength at all ages, with maximum enhancements observed before 7 d. Solid-state 29 Si NMR elucidated that CF accelerates slag dissolution and promotes C-(A)-S-H gel precipitation, correlating with a 98.0 % increase in hydration degree at 1 d. Critically, a preliminary carbon footprint assessment indicated that SSC-3CF achieved an estimated footprint of 158.76 kg CO₂/t, suggesting a potential reduction of approximately 76.9 % compared to PC. The findings demonstrate CF’s dual role in mitigating SSC’s early-strength deficit through optimized hydration kinetics and pore refinement while offering substantial carbon reduction potential for sustainable construction.
Authors: Jian Ma, Xiaoyu Bai, Jinfeng Sun, Pengyu Wu, Zhuqing Yu, Bingjie Xia
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
Award: G5905630240
OpenAlex ID: W4416818669