Abstract:The hydration processes of cement pastes modified with hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose(HEMC) were studied by AC impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the hydration process of cement pastes modified with HEMC can be revealed by AC impedance spectroscopic spectrum and parameters. Addition of HEMC greatly retards the hydration process of cement paste, reduces the cement hydration degree, and delays the formation of CSH gel. It can also increase the pore solution viscosity and decrease the pore solution ions migration rate. Thus, the electrochemical reaction of cement paste modified with HEMC lags behind its hydration reaction. Moreover, with increase of HEMC use level, the hydration degree of cement gradually decreases, and the pore structure of cement pastes tends to have three dimensional structure and be much simpler and more uniform.