Effect of different types of concrete polymer admixtures on physicochemical and mechanical properties of cement pastes

Four concrete admixtures were used to modify the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the hardened portland cement pastes. These admixtures include a plasticizer, a superplasticizer, a retarder, and a plasticizer retarder. The effect of the addition of each admixture on the physicomechanical properties of the hardened cement pastes was studied. The results of differential thermal analysis, hydration kinetics, bulk density, and mineralogical constitutions were discussed and related as much as possible to the developed compressive strength of the hardened pastes.