does the hydrophobic fiber, with no immersion in water, absorb a small amount of cement's mortar mixing water?
The immersion of hydrophobic fiber before mixing with the dry components of cement mortar can potentially have an effect on the hydration process, although the specific impact will depend on various factors. Here are a few considerations:
Hydrophobicity and water interaction: Hydrophobic fibers repel water or are resistant to moisture absorption. By immersing hydrophobic fibers before mixing, you may introduce moisture to the fibers, potentially reducing their hydrophobic properties. The fibers may lose their water repellency, leading to increased water absorption during the mixing process and potentially affecting the water-cement ratio.
Water availability: Cement hydration requires an adequate water supply to facilitate the chemical reactions that lead to the formation of hardened cement paste. If the hydrophobic fibers absorb a significant amount of water during immersion, there might be a slight reduction in the water available for the cement hydration process. This could potentially affect the setting time, strength development, and overall performance of the mortar.
Fiber dispersion and workability: Hydrophobic fibers are often added to cement mortar to improve its mechanical properties, such as reducing cracking and increasing tensile strength. Proper dispersion of fibers within the mortar mixture is crucial to achieve the desired reinforcement effects. If the fibers become saturated with water during immersion, they may clump together or have difficulty dispersing uniformly in the mortar, impacting the workability and distribution of the fibers within the mixture.
Adhesion and bonding: Another important consideration is the potential impact on the bond between the fibers and the cement matrix. If the fibers lose their hydrophobicity due to immersion, it may affect their adhesion to the cement paste. This could result in reduced bonding and potentially compromise the overall performance of the fiber-reinforced mortar.
To summarize, while the immersion of hydrophobic fibers before mixing with the dry components of cement mortar may introduce some changes in the fiber properties and potentially impact the hydration process, the extent of the effects will depend on various factors such as fiber type, immersion duration, water content, and specific mixture proportions. It is advisable to consult product guidelines and conduct small-scale trials to assess the impact of the immersion process on the desired properties of the final mortar.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Instruments