Abstract

Moderately alkaline activators can be used to formulate cementitious binders with a high Supplemetary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) and a low portland cement content (hybrid alkaline cements). This study aimed to prepare hybrid alkaline cements containing large percentages of dehydroxylated bentonite (BT) and small Portland cement (OPC) fractions, with 5% Na₂SO₄ as a solid alkaline activator. The hydration kinetics of the pastes hydrated in water in the presence and absence of the solid activator were assessed by isothermal conduction calorimetry, whilst the reaction products were characterised with X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The presence of the alkaline activator hastened OPC and BT/OPC hydration: more heat of hydration was released, favouring greater initial bentonite reactivity. The portlandite forming during cement hydration reacted readily with the Na₂SO₄, raising medium alkalinity and enhancing bentonite dissolution and with it reaction product precipitation (primarily (N,C)-A-S-H-like gels that co-exist with C-S-H- or C-A-S-H-like gels). The presence of sulfate ions favoured the formation of AFm-like phases. Preceding aspects accelerated the hydration reactions, with the formation of more reaction product and matrix densification. As a result, the 28 days Na₂SO₄ activated systems developed greater mechanical strength than the water-hydrated systems, with the 60% BT/40% OPC blends exhibiting higher compressive strength than the 100% OPC pastes. View Full-Text