Ceramicrete blends produce strong, low-permeability cements for arctic use

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, have determined that blending ceramicrete with extendospheres and wollastonite or ash produces a superior cement for extremely cold climates. The cement is especially suitable for projects in permafrost because of its very low thermal conductivity. Ceramicrete is a composition of magnesium oxide and monopotassium phosphate. Using fly ash as an extender, a low thermal conductivity of 0.27 w/mK. (watts/meter Kelvin) has been achieved. Addition of extendospheres further reduces this conductivity to 0.2 w/mK. The heat of formation is comparable to the current cement formulations. The set cement is free of connected pores and hence the water permeability is as low as 0.004 md.