Comparative study on the effects of grinding aids on the grinding behavior and hydration of ground granulated blast furnace slag: triethanolamine and diethanol-isopropanolamine

This study compares the effects of triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanol-isopropanolamine (DEIPA) at dosages of 0.1 and 0.5 wt.% on the grinding behavior and hydration of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) in high-volume slag cement (HVSC). The results show that both GAs improve the fineness of GGBFS. For both GAs, a dosage of 0.1 wt.% was more effective, while DEIPA exhibited a higher grinding efficiency than TEA at the same dosage. GAs retarded the silicate reaction while enhancing the aluminate reaction, with the magnitude of these effects depending on the GA type and dosage. A GA dosage of 0.1 wt.% facilitated GGBFS reaction, resulting in higher 28-day compressive strength. The chemical activation effect of TEA was more pronounced than that of DEIPA; however, the superior physical effect of DEIPA improved GGBFS reactivity to a level comparable to or greater than that achieved with TEA.