The rheological behavior of paste prepared from hemihydrate phosphogypsum and tailing

The paste prepared from hemihydrate phosphogypsum (HPG) and tailing (HTP) differs greatly from the cement tailings paste (CTP). The rheological behavior of HTP including the visual flow ability and rheology was uncovered in the present study. The suitable mass concentration of HTP was determined by fluidity and bleeding tests firstly. Then, the rheological parameters and thixotropy were analyzed based on rheological tests. Compared with CTP, HTP has higher ultimate yield stress, smaller yield stress and plastic viscosity, and shorter thixotropic time. Finally, the rheological properties with different resting time and shearing time were studied. The results showed that the rheological stability deteriorated with time, especially in the resting state. The special rheological behavior of HTP may be attributed to the stable mosaic structure, which was related to the particles size and shape. In addition, the HPG hydration will enhance the structure, resulting in the rheological stability of HTP weakening gradually. This work may pave ways to the understanding of the HTP mixing and transport process.