Microstructure and Rheology of Lime Putty

Abstract

The rheology of lime binders, which is critical in the final performance of lime mortars and plasters, is poorly understood, particularly in its relationship with the microstructure and colloidal characteristics of slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) suspensions (i.e., lime putties). Here, the contrasting flow behavior of lime putties obtained upon slaking (hydration) of soft and hard burnt quicklimes (CaO) is compared and discussed in terms of the differences found in particle size, morphology, degree of aggregation, and fractal nature of aggregates as well as their evolution with aging time. We show that lime putties behave as non-Newtonian fluids, with thixotropic and rheopectic behavior observed for hard and soft burnt limes, respectively. Aggregation of portlandite nanoparticles in the aqueous suspension controls the time evolution of the rheological properties of lime putty, which is also influenced by the dominant slaking mechanism, that is, liquid versus vapor slaking in hard and soft burnt quicklimes, respectively. These results may be of relevance in the selection of optimal procedures and conditions for the preparation of lime mortars used in the conservation of historical buildings.