Combined Adoption of TIPA and C-S-Hs-PCE to Enhance Early-Age Hydration Kinetics of Lithium Slag–Cement Composite Binder

Synergistic action of triisopropanolamine (TIPA) and calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-Hs)–polycarboxylate (PCE) nanocomposites on the rheological and hydration performance of lithium slag (LS) blended binder was analyzed. Results showed that C-S-Hs-PCE modified the rheological behavior of fresh LS-cement binder, and TIPA weakened the rheological performance. Increased amount of C-S-Hs-PCE scarcely shortened the setting time of the composite binder. Adding less than 0.5% TIPA dramatically shortened the setting time, and adding more than 0.5% TIPA retarded the setting behavior of LS-cement binder. C-S-Hs-PCE facilitated the hydration of silicates. TIPA promoted dissolution of Fe3+, Al3+, Si4+, and Ca2+ from LS minerals, and the hastened increased solubility of metallic ions from LS expedited the generation of ettringite (AFt) on the mineral surface.