The fineness of cement is a critical component in the process of making concrete. Fine particles are less soluble in water, so they pass through the first grinding chamber. The impact of the crushing action on the clinker is therefore reduced. Depending on the fineness, the final product can range from 40 mm to 400 mm. However, the amount of cement grinding aids in the clinker may affect its grind-ability. To ensure consistency, less than 25% of the clinker should be less than one millimeter in size.
The effect of the addition of cement grinding aids
(GAs) on the flow of cement paste was studied by Assad and Issa. They used two
types of GA, one amine-based and another glycol-based, containing DEG and MEG.
They controlled the Blaine fineness to a constant Ec, and the grinding aid
concentrations were determined by adding an appropriate amount of each to the
mixture. The increased GA content reduced the setting time of the cement.
The Cement
Grinding Aids Market is influenced by a variety of factors that
can benefit or hurt the industry as a whole.
The use of polymer-based cement grinding aids
increases early compressive strength by 15% and reduces water requirements by
8%. They also reduce the agglomeration of clinker particles and prevent
lubrication. They improve grind-ability and reduce energy consumption per unit
product. The use of hydroxylamine or isopropanol as a grinding aid has a
positive impact on early and final strengths. These additives may be beneficial
for cement manufacturing processes.
The use of cement grinding aids such as BA reduces the
retardation effect of boron compounds in cement. This additive has the
potential to increase the quality of cement. It is used in the additive process
when slag must be ground to a Blaine value of 5,000 cm2/g. The water
requirement and setting time are similar to those of the ball mill cement.
The cement grinding aids that are used in cement
manufacturing are a combination of organic compounds and inorganic salts. These
additives vary in price and quality, so comparing them is essential. For
instance, in March 2022, Berger Fosroc Limited, a major cement grinding aids
provider in the APAC region, opened a new manufacturing facility in
Narayanganj, Bangladesh to produce its new product named Joint Sealant.