Examination of Portland cement paste hydrated in the presence of malic acid

When malic acid (MA) solutions are added to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), rapid heat evolution takes place, but the hydration is retarded considerably at all the MA concentrations. To understand the mechanism of retardation, UV-visible and IR spectral studies were made and the results have revealed that some interaction occurs between MA and certain constituents of OPC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies have proved the formation of a new reaction product due to interaction between MA and some of the mineral phases of Portland cement. The retardation of the hydration of Portland cement may be attributed to the formation of this new compound.