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Coordination
Geert De Schutter
Geert.DeSchutter@UGent.be
Scientific content
The rheology of self-binding high volume particle suspensions is poorly established up to now. Na-silicates show higher viscosity compared to K-silicates, making mixing extremely difficult at low water contents. Furthermore, during the dissolution of aluminosilicate species in alkaline solution, water is consumed to form monomers of Si(OH)4 and Al(OH)4. That water can be released during polymerisation, which changes the matrix viscosity again. Therefore, the study of the solid materials and their solid volume fraction are submitted to an innovative methodology.
Physical contributions to rheology
- Synthesize suspensions that can be probed without interference of particle dissolution
- Simulate the different advanced stages of the polymerization process
- Establish the link between the strength of the agglomerates and the viscous properties of the suspending matrix
- Effect of the matrix compositions, activator concentrations, and shear protocols
Chemical contributions to rheology
- Link the polymerization degree with the dissolution rate
- Determine the rate at which the setting point is reached
- Produce guidelines for AAM combination
Rheological scale-up
- Establish relevant shear regimes on a concrete level
- Adapt the shear protocol for concrete applications
- Fresh property evaluation with quantitative techniques and empirical tools