Abhinay Rakam

Concrete hardens together with hydrated water and therefore only water should be used to measure the zeta potential of concrete and cement. It is not clear from your question why you will measure the zeta potential of these dispersed systems. After all, only diluted dispersions can be measured. More concentrated dispersions will harden.

Measuring the zeta potential of concrete powder involves dispersing the finely ground sample in a suitable electrolyte solution and analyzing the suspension using electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) or a zeta potential analyzer. This helps evaluate the surface charge of particles, which reflects interparticle interactions and colloidal stability. For cementitious materials, it offers insights into admixture compatibility, dispersion behavior, and early hydration phenomena.

Understanding the zeta potential of concrete constituents, especially in alternative binders like geopolymers, is essential for optimizing mix design, predicting workability, and enhancing long-term performance. This physicochemical parameter serves as a bridge between material science and practical engineering performance, especially when tailoring sustainable or nano-engineered cementitious systems.

The measurement of zeta potential for concrete powder samples is used to evaluate the stability of particles in suspension. The procedure involves dispersing the powder in a suitable liquid and measuring the zeta potential using an electrophoresis device. This potential indicates the electrical charge on the surface of the particles, which is essential for understanding the material's dispersion or agglomeration behavior. High zeta potential values (positive or negative) indicate greater stability and better dispersion, while values close to zero indicate a tendency for particles to agglomerate. This analysis is important for predicting properties such as the rheology and adhesion of cementitious materials.