An Experimental Investigation on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Cement-Based Plaster Containing Barium Sulfate

Phattharachai Pongsopha; Buchit Maho; Tanapat Namjan; Darrakorn Intarabut

doi:10.48084/etasr.17980

Authors

Phattharachai Pongsopha Department of Civil Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Thailand
Buchit Maho Department of Civil Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Thailand
Tanapat Namjan Department of Civil Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Thailand
Darrakorn Intarabut Department of Civil Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Thailand

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 34900-34906 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17980

Received: 5 February 2026 | Revised: 13 March 2026 | Accepted: 23 March 2026 | Online: 22 April 2026

Corresponding author: Phattharachai Pongsopha

Abstract

Although cement-based plaster is widely used as a finishing material for building envelopes, its role is generally limited to surface protection and appearance. This study examines how barium sulfate (BaSO₄) affects the fresh and hardened properties of cement-based plaster when used as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. The cement content and water-to-cement ratio were kept constant while BaSO₄ was introduced at different replacement levels so that the observed changes could be discussed mainly in relation to the presence of the filler. Flowability, setting time, and water retention were measured in the fresh state, while density, water absorption, and compressive strength were evaluated after hardening. The results showed a gradual reduction in flowability and setting time as BaSO₄ content increased, whereas density and water retention increased. Water absorption decreased progressively, and compressive strength increased at both tested stages. Overall, these results suggest that BaSO₄ can modify cement-based plaster in a beneficial way, with an overall trend consistent with filler-related improvement in matrix compactness.

Keywords:

cement-based plaster, barium sulfate, compressive strength, fresh properties

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