Thermal analysis (DTA) was used for monitoring the proportions of Ca(OH)2 formed at the hydration of simple Portland cement (CEM I 42.5 R) samples, and cement samples with 0.5% addition of unmodified hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), respectively, with the addition of starch ether and polyacrylamide modified HPMC. The proportions of Ca(OH)2 formed after 1, 3, 7, and 28 days of hydration were assessed by the peak areas of the endothermic effect at the temperature range of 493–503 °C, caused by the Ca(OH)2 decomposition. The results obtained based on thermal analysis reflect very well the correlation between the Ca(OH)2 proportions in the samples after different hydration periods and the retarding effect of the hydration processes caused by the cellulose ether's addition. This retarding effect is also evidenced by the setting times of the studied samples and the evolution of their mechanical strengths.
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