Effect of polycarboxylate superplasticiser adsorption on fluidity of cement–clay system

Clay reduces fluidity and increases fluidity loss of concrete added with polycarboxylate superplasticiser. Sometimes it cuts down concrete durability. Fluidity of clay–cement paste with the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticiser, adsorption amount of polycarboxylate superplasticiser and ζ-potential has been tested to understand the effect of polycarboxylate superplasticiser on cement–clay systems. The results show that cement particles have a smooth surface; there are lots of layered or sheet structure existing on the surface of clay; when the particle size distribution is little different, the specific surface area of clay is 17 times that of cement; it is the reason why polycarboxylate superplasticiser adsorption on clay is much greater than that of cement. Initial adsorption amount and equilibrium adsorption amount of polycarboxylate superplasticiser on clay are 3–4 times that of cement; strong PC adsorption of clay is the main reason why the presence of clay reduces fluidity and increase...