Zeta potential in cementitious systems: A comprehensive overview of influencing factors and implications on material properties

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the influence of zeta potential on the behavior of cement-based materials based on data from the literature. Zeta potential plays a critical role in determining the degree of interaction among cement particles and their interaction with the surrounding medium. In a liquid medium, cement particles exhibit a zeta potential that can vary based on particle characteristics and liquid composition. For cement-based materials, the properties of the paste are paramount for optimal material utilization. Factors such as homogeneity, rheology, interaction with additives, setting time, and bubble coalescence are crucial for the quality of cementitious products and are directly influenced by the zeta potential of cement particles. After reviewing various studies involving the analysis of the zeta potential of cements, it can be seen that factors such as the water/cement ratio, the composition of the cement, the presence of additives and the type of solution directly interfere with the zeta potential value reached by the particles. It can also be seen that high zeta potential values, in module, decrease viscosity, shear stress and yield stress, since the greater repulsion between the particles directly affects these factors.