The Effects of Three Organics on Selected Physical Properties of Type I Portland Cement

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Abstract
The effect of three organic compounds, ethylene glycol (EG), p-chlorophenol (PCP), and p-bromophenol (PBP), on selected physical properties of Type I Portland cement at a 0.4 water/cement ratio were studied. Also, possible effects on the cement chemistry were suggested. Curing times of 12 hours, 1 day, 7 days and 28 days were used. Tests for the compressive strength and setting times (initial and final) were performed. Leachability was determined by the USEPA extraction procedure. Organic compounds were added in organic to cement weight ratios of 1:5, 1:10 and 1:25. A control group containing no organics was also prepared. In moderate (1:10) and high (1:5) concentrations, EG was found to inhibit the setting of Portland cement, and significantly decrease the compressive strength. EG samples were found to be easily leachable, with > 80% recovery after 28 days by extraction with water. PCP was found to retard the setting times and decrease the compressive strength (though not as much as EG). Percent recovery of PCP extracted with water was generally high, but lower than EG. PBP had the least effect on setting times, did not decrease the compressive strength significantly (∼ 85% of control strength values), and recovery by extraction was lowest.