Optimization of raw-material ratios and curing temperature of magnesium oxychloride cement

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is a high-strength green inorganic cementitious material. This article aims to achieve optimal compressive strength and water resistance of MOC simultaneously before using additives, and optimize its raw material ratio and curing temperature through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The individual and interactive effects of the three factors on MOC were explored. The micro-morphologies and structures of samples were comparatively analyzed. Based on RSM predictions, MOC achieved the optimal compressive strength and softening coefficient (the verification values are 90.87 MPa and 0.51, respectively) at a curing temperature of 42.14 °C and molar ratio of MgO:MgCl2:H2O of 7.28:1:14.09. Multi-objective optimization of MOC was achieved, which improved its potential as a building material in humid environments and laid the foundation for subsequent modification of MOC.