Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Partial Replacement of Cement with Ferrophosphorus on the Setting Time of Cement Paste

Document Type : Research Note

Authors
Sakina Atayee 1
Payam Tarighi 2
Mehdi Shalchi Tousi 3
Ata Hojat Kashani 4
1 M.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering , Ahlul Bayt International University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ahlul Bayt International University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ahlul Bayt International University, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.30478/jcsm.2026.555064.1405
Abstract
Ferrophosphorus, as a by-product of the steel industry, contains reactive mineral compounds that can influence the hydration process of cement. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various replacement levels of ferrophosphorus on the setting time of cement mortar. For this purpose, Type II Portland cement was partially replaced with ferrophosphorus at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The initial and final setting times were measured using the Vicat apparatus in accordance with ASTM C191.The experimental results revealed that increasing the ferrophosphorus content led to a continuous delay in both the initial and final setting times. Specifically, the initial setting time increased from 165 minutes in the control sample to 197.5 minutes at 20% replacement, while the final setting time rose from 222 minutes to 265 minutes under the same condition. These findings indicate that ferrophosphorus acts as a retarding admixture, delaying both the onset and completion of cement hydration. However, excessive replacement levels may result in undesirable delays that could negatively affect construction schedules and the long-term performance of concrete. Overall, the results suggest that ferrophosphorus, when used in optimum replacement ratios, has potential to serve as a sustainable mineral admixture that not only contributes to industrial waste management but also provides effective control over the setting process of cementitious materials.
Keywords
Ferrophosphorus
Cement Mortar
Setting time
Vicat Needle
Portland Cement

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 23 October 2025
  • Revise Date 01 January 2026
  • Accept Date 14 February 2026