Effect of Viscosity Modifiers on Structure Formation in Cement Systems for Construction 3D Printing

This paper presents experimental data illustrating the effect of viscosity modifiers on the structure formation in cement systems and their rheological characteristics and strength. It is shown that SiO2- and Al2O3 center dot SiO2-based nano- and microparticles, similar in crystal-chemical structure to newly formed hydrate phases, are the most effective viscosity modifiers, capable of reducing the setting and hardening times by a factor of 1.3-1.5 and raising the plastic strength of the cement systems by four to five times and their compressive strength by 30%. Xanthan gum and potassium pyrophosphate are effective modifiers for controlling the rheological characteristics of the cement systems, but they are incapable of activating structure formation and hardening processes.