Synthesis and Characterization of Sodium Gluconate and Its Effects on the Properties of Portland Cement
Mahdee Muhammad Nafee
Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Umme Sarmeen Akhtar *
Refractories and Structural Ceramic Research Division, Institute of Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
Md. Sagirul Islam
Refractories and Structural Ceramic Research Division, Institute of Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
Md. Ershad Halim
Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Mohammad Golam Mostafa
Refractories and Structural Ceramic Research Division, Institute of Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
Imdadul Haque
Refractories and Structural Ceramic Research Division, Institute of Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The research explores the synthesis and characterization of sodium gluconate as a retarding admixture for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and its impact on cement properties. The study found that sodium gluconate prolonged OPC's setting time, enhancing workability. Sodium gluconate was synthesized through a simple chemical process involving the reaction of gluconic acid with sodium hydroxide. The synthesized product was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that the synthesized sodium gluconate had a characteristic absorption peak at 3205 cm-1.The variations were investigated for setting time, compressive strength, and porosity. However, higher dosages led to prolong the setting time, increased the workability, reduced compressive strength and improved porosity. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing sodium gluconate dosage with other locally available admixtures for desired retardation effects without compromising strength. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and explore long-term effects on cement properties.
Keywords: Setting time, sodium gluconate, retarding admixtures, ordinary portland cement