Use of Deep Peat-Processing Products for Hydrophobic Modification of Gypsum Binder

Tver State Technical University, A. Nikitin Street, 22, 170026, Tver, Russia

^* Corresponding author: oleg.misnikov@gmail.com

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of gypsum binder quality reduction during its storage and transportation. The study provides the main methods to protect gypsum from unauthorized exposure to moisture and water vapor. The author proposes hydrophobic modification as a perspective method for the preservation of gypsum activity and its water absorption reduction. The substantiation of cement hydrophobization with the bitumen released during peat thermolysis is provided. The author proposes to use this method in the technology of gypsum binder production. The basic idea is to combine the hydrophobization process with the calcination of calcium sulfate dehydrate. This is facilitated by temperature ranges used for dehydration of natural gypsum and the initial stage of thermal decomposition of the organic matter of peat. The author defined experimentally an optimal concentration of the organic component in gypsum binder. After adding 0.5-1% of the peat additive, the gypsum plaster preserved its grade strength and increased its storage time without caking and hydration, also under adverse conditions. The proposed method is adapted to the technological processes presently used in the production and doesn’t require changing any equipment. The price of mineral raw materials and semi-finished products of peat are approximately equal which reduces the probability of increasing of the cost of hydrophobically modified gypsum binder.