Effects of different reactive MgOs on the hydration of MgO-activated GGBS paste

Jin, F. , Gu, K., Abdollahzadeh, A. and Al-Tabbaa, A. (2015) Effects of different reactive MgOs on the hydration of MgO-activated GGBS paste. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 27(7), B4014001. (doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001009)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Reactive MgO has recently emerged as a potential activator for ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), which is one of the most widely used by-products in the cement industry. However, it is known that the characteristics of reactive MgO vary significantly, which may affect the activation process and hence the performance of MgO-GGBS blends. In this study, seven commercially available reactive MgOs, whose characteristics vary widely, were chosen to activate GGBS. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of MgO-GGBS pastes up to 90 days was measured, and the hydration products were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The primary hydration products were identified as calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and hydrotalcitelike phases (Ht). Minor hydration products included magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) and ettringite. The reactivity and calcium oxide content of the MgO samples were found to be the two major factors affecting the hydration process of the MgO-GGBS blend. Higher reactivity did not change the hydration products, but resulted in more hydration products in the same time. Sufficient CaO content increased the pH of the system, which enhanced the slag dissolution degree and was beneficial to the strength development.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Jin, Dr Fei
Authors: Jin, F., Gu, K., Abdollahzadeh, A., and Al-Tabbaa, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Publisher:American Society of Civil Engineers
ISSN:0899-1561
ISSN (Online):1943-5533
Published Online:21 December 2013

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record