Innovative Applications and Technological Development of Siliceous Soil Supports in Special Cement Industry

1. Characteristics of Siliceous Soil Supports and Their Adaptability in Special Cement

Siliceous soil supports, as a natural siliceous porous material, demonstrate unique application value in the special cement sector. This material, formed by the deposition of ancient diatom fossils, mainly consists of amorphous SiO₂ (with a content of 83-91%), and possesses the following outstanding characteristics:

- High porosity (55-85%)

- Large specific surface area (15-65 m²/g)

- Appropriate pore size distribution (5 nm - 50 μm)

- Excellent chemical stability

- Outstanding high-temperature resistance (able to withstand temperatures above 1200°C)

In the application of special cement, siliceous soil supports mainly exert their effects through three mechanisms:

1) As a micro-nano scale reinforcing phase, optimizing the microstructure of cement-based materials

2) Through multi-level pore structure to improve the working performance of cement paste

3) Utilizing surface active sites to regulate the cement hydration process

2. Applications of Siliceous Soil Supports in Various Special Cement Types

2.1 Siliceous Soil Supports in Low-temperature Cement

In large-volume concrete projects, siliceous soil supports serve as a functional component in low-temperature cement, offering significant advantages compared to traditional mineral powders. Compared to traditional mineral powders, siliceous soil supports have:

- Better volcanic ash activity

- Higher water absorption capacity during hydration

- Better long-term strength development characteristics

Experimental data shows that low-temperature cement containing 15-20% siliceous soil supports can reduce 7-day hydration heat by 35-45%, and the 90-day compressive strength increases by 10-15%. The application of the Three Gorges Dam project indicates that using siliceous soil support-modified cement reduces the maximum temperature inside the concrete by 8-12°C, significantly improving the temperature stress.

2.2 Siliceous Soil Supports in Oil Well Cement

In oil well cementing operations, siliceous soil supports mainly play the following key roles:

- Regulating the rheological properties of the cement slurry

- Enhancing the high-temperature resistance of the cement stone

- Improving the mechanical integrity of the cement ring

Through special modification, siliceous soil supports can maintain excellent stability in high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Data from a deep-sea oilfield application shows that the strength decline rate of oil well cement containing siliceous soil supports under 150°C/100 MPa conditions is lower than 5%, far superior to traditional formulations.

2.3 Siliceous Soil Supports in Decorative Cement

In the decorative cement field, siliceous soil supports are favored due to their unique texture and properties:

- Providing a natural mineral feel

- Enhancing the anti-pollution ability of the surface

- Regulating the moisture breathing performance of the material

By controlling the particle size distribution and addition amount (5-15%), various surface effects can be achieved from fine to coarse. Tests show that siliceous soil support-modified decorative cement has a 40%+ improvement in stain resistance and excellent self-cleaning function.

3. Technological Innovation and Performance Optimization of Siliceous Soil Supports

3.1 Surface Modification Technology

To enhance the performance of siliceous soil supports, various surface treatment technologies have been developed:

1) Acid activation treatment: increasing surface reactivity

2) Alkali activation treatment: enhancing volcanic ash effect

3) Organic-inorganic hybrid modification: improving compatibility with organic components

3.2 Structural Regulation Technology

Through the following methods, the structure of siliceous soil supports can be optimized:

- Grading treatment: obtaining specific particle size distribution

- Calcination treatment: regulating pore structure and surface properties

- Composite treatment: synergistic enhancement with other mineral materials

3.3 Functional Composite Technology

Combining siliceous soil supports with various functional materials:

- With nanomaterials: such as SiO₂@siliceous soil core-shell structure

- With fiber materials: improving crack resistance

- With phase change materials: developing intelligent temperature-regulating cement 4. Application Cases and Effect Evaluation

4.1 Application Cases of Hydraulic Dams

A large hydropower station that adopted diatomite-based low-temperature cement:

- The maximum temperature rise of the concrete decreased by 10.5℃

- Temperature cracks reduced by 80%

- 90-day strength increased by 18%

- Project progress accelerated by 15%

4.2 Application Cases of Oil and Gas Wells

A high-temperature and high-pressure gas field that used diatomite-based oil well cement:

- The stability of the cement slurry significantly improved

- The compressive strength reached 28 MPa (150℃)

- The gas leakage coefficient SPN was less than 2.5

- The quality of well cementing reached 95%

4.3 Application Cases of Architectural Decoration

High-end commercial projects that adopted diatomite-based decorative cement:

- Construction performance improved by 30%

- Resistance to staining increased by 45%

- The decorative effect lasts longer

- Obtained LEED green building certification

5. Performance Comparison Analysis

| Performance Indicators | Diatomite Carrier Cement | Traditional Special Cement |

| Hydration Heat | Low (reduced by 35-45%) | Varies by type |

| Long-Term Strength | Excellent (continuously increasing) | Average |

| Durability | Excellent (good impermeability) | Good |

| Workability | Easy to adjust | Difficult to control |

| Functionality | Highly scalable | Limited | 

6. Industry Development Trends and Challenges

6.1 Technological Trends

1) Intelligence: Developing environment-responsive diatomite-based cement

2) Multi-functionality: Endowing cement with additional functions

3) Greening: Reducing production energy consumption and carbon emissions

4) Standardization: Establishing a complete product standard system

6.2 Market Prospects

The global specialty cement market continues to grow, and the proportion of diatomite-based applications is expected to increase from the current 12% to 25%. The main growth areas include:

- Marine engineering cement

- 3D printing cement

- Radiation protection cement

- Self-repairing cement

6.3 Technical Challenges

1) Batch stability control of diatomite carrier performance

2) Optimization of compatibility with new cementitious systems

3) Breakthroughs in multi-functional composite technology

4) Cost-benefit balance

7. Conclusion and Outlook

Diatomite carriers, with their unique structure and performance advantages, are driving the innovation of specialty cement technology. With the advancement of materials science and engineering applications, diatomite carriers have great potential in the following aspects:

1) Facilitating the development of a new generation of high-performance specialty cement

2) Promoting the green transformation of the cement industry

3) Expanding the application boundaries of cement materials

4) Enhancing the construction quality of major projects

It is expected that the market demand for specialty cement diatomite carriers will maintain an average annual growth rate of 8-10% in the next five years. Technological progress will drive its breakthrough applications in more high-end fields. Through continuous innovation research and industrial collaboration, diatomite carriers will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the development of the specialty cement industry.