U-Technology: opening the way to leaner drymix formulation design

 
In applications where high performance (fast drying, rapid setting and hardening, shrinkage compensation?) is required at early age, Portland Cement (OPC) is accelerated by ettringite. This hydrate is often obtained by the co-precipitation of Calcium Aluminate Cements (CAC) and Calcium Sulfate (C$), alongside the hydration of OPC. In order to improve this ternary binder logic, Imerys developed the U-Technology, a novel Ettringite precursor based on amorphous CAC. This technology allows for a better synchronization of the dissolution of the binder components and thus a more complete Ettringite precipitation. This study revealed that the use of U-Technology drastically improves both the early age and long term performance, even in cold temperature. The high efficiency of this U-technology, fully compatible with all additives & fillers, opens the door to a leaner formulation design, thus reducing the CO2 footprint & formulation cost.