Influence of processing in vapors of quaternary compounds of ammonium (triamon) on the Portland cement sorption properties

Abstract

The electro-physical parameters of cement-containing capacitive structures are studied using
dielectric spectroscopy under water vapor sorption conditions. For surface treatment of ordinary Portland
cement from vapor phase, we used triamon as a substance-modifier. The composition of triamon corresponds
to the chemical formula [(HOC2H4)3N
+CH3][CH3SO3¯ ]. The frequency dependence of electro-physical
parameters of the structures were studied in the frequency range 12 Hz – 100 kHz using the Goodwill LCRmeter
(model 819). For this technique the samples was pressed with tin foil under high pressure (300 bar).
The end thickness of such parallel-plate capacitor was ~1 mm. The electro-physical parameters of ordinary
Portland cement weakly depend on the relative humidity of air up to ~ 75 %. For p/ps > 85 %, sorption of
water vapor may lead to the capillary condensation in non-modified Portland cement. Increase of
hydrophobic properties of an ordinary Portland cement as a result of processing in vapors of quaternary
compounds of ammonium is revealed. The found effect may be useful for industrial production of dry cement
mixes.