Early-Age Behaviour of Portland Cement Incorporating Ultrafine Recycled Powder: Insights into Hydration, Setting, and Chemical Shrinkage

This study examines the effects of ultrafine recycled powder (URP) obtained from construction and demolition waste on the hydration kinetics, setting behaviour, and chemical shrinkage of Portland cement pastes. The presence of ultrafine particles in the recycled powder provides more sites for nucleation, thereby promoting the hydration process and accelerating the rate of nucleation. As a result, the setting time is reduced while chemical shrinkage is increased. Incorporating URP improves the early-age mechanical properties. When 7.5% URP is added, the highest compressive strength and flexural strength of cement mortar at a curing age of 3 d are 23.0 MPa and 3.7 MPa, respectively. The secondary hydration between the hydration product and reactive silica from URP contributes to gel formation and enhances mechanical property development. This research provides theoretical insights into utilizing recycled powder in cement-based materials and enhances our understanding of its impact on hydration kinetics.