Calcium Sulphoaluminate (CSA) Cement Binder is a hydraulic binder made from calcium aluminate sulfate, known for its fast-setting properties compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Unlike OPC, CSA binder doesn’t release free lime during hydration, which helps reduce efflorescence. It also accelerates the setting and strength development of Portland cement, compensates for shrinkage, and enhances the material’s flow and workability for specific applications.
Characteristics of CSA Binder
- Resistant to sulphate attack
- Impermeable
- Short curing phase
- Freeze-thaw resistant
Uses of CSA Binder
CSA cement has been used as a binder in airport runaways, concrete road repair, concrete bridges, and many other applications where fast reuse is needed. CSA binder also has properties that make it suitable for formulating:
- Self-smoothing and self-levelling compounds
- Tile adhesives
- Casting mortars
- Rapid hardening screeds
- Non-shrink grouts
- Mining products such as mining roof support materials
- Glass fibre reinforced concrete
Benefits of CSA Binder
Rapid Strength Development
When CSA is added to mortars or concrete, it significantly increases its strength development. It takes 24 hours for concrete and mortars with CSA binder to achieve the same strength OPC achieves in 28 days.
Fast Bond
The original setting time can begin after twenty minutes, and the final set reached after 30 minutes. The processing time can be extended even further using retarders. CSA also maintains its reactivity under low temperatures, unlike other binders.
Shrinkage Compensation
Several criteria demonstrate the shrinkage compensation of CSA. They include:
- CSA requires more water than Portland cement. However, since the water is fully chemically bound, there is no water surplus. The water surplus with other binder types causes shrinkage, warping, and cracking.
- There is a stable expansion that occurs during the hardening phase. It helps prevent gradual shrinkage.
- The tension during hydration builds up in a shorter timeframe than typical cement types.
Low Carbon Footprint
CSA is regarded as a green binder due to the following reasons:
- CSA is softer compared to Portland cement. This reduces the amount of energy required during grinding.
- CSA is calcined at 2250°F while Portland cement is calcined at 2700°F.
- It is estimated that Portland cement production is responsible for about 8% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. For every 1000kgs of Portland cement, approximately 579kg of carbon dioxide is emitted. The production of CSA binder has the lowest carbon dioxide emission compared to the production of alternatives such as sodium metasilicate, magnesium, and calcium aluminate cement.
Find Quality Raw Materials at Bisley
With years of experience supplying construction materials for plasterboards and concrete admixtures, Bisley prides itself in providing several CSA-based products. We aim to guide our customers on how to apply CSA to their systems.
Are you looking to find a formulation for your next construction project? Contact us to find out more about how we can help. We also provide raw materials for applications in Aluminium, steel, agrichemical, grease and lubricants, food and beverages, paints and coatings, water treatment, and many more industries.
For more informaiton view our product: Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement binder