Influence of Silicone Oil on Durability of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement Mortar

Abstract

In this study, the development of carbonation resistance in blast furnace slag (BFS) mortar when using silicone oil (SO) is investigated. Moreover, the influence of SO on drying shrinkage and frost resistance are investigated. The results indicate that SO tends to improve the carbonation resistance of BFS blended mortar and reduces drying shrinkage; however, it decreases frost resistance. The water repellency of SO has a positive effect on carbonation and drying shrinkage. Furthermore, there is a possibility that SO prevents the consumption of calcium hydroxide (CH) by carbonation and hydration in portland blast furnace slag cement type B (BB) samples. SO exists in the form of oil droplets in hardened cement pastes and inhibits the relaxation of water pressure at freezing. This is a probable cause for why SO decreases frost resistance.