Determination of activation effect of Ca(OH)2 upon the hydration of BFS and related heat by isothermal calorimeter

Isothermal conduction calorimetry, differential thermal analysis (DTA)-thermogravimetric analysis (TG) analysis, and SEM observations have proved the activation effect of Ca(OH)(2) released from the C3S hydration upon blast furnace slag (BFS). Five sample mixtures of BFS and C3S and two samples of pure BFS and C3S were submitted to reaction with water inside the calorimeter at room temperature. The values of hydration heat were recorded up to 7 days. Samples were stored in humidity during 28 days and then were submitted to DTA-TG and SEM analysis. The effect of Ca(OH)(2) upon heat evolution of sample mixtures has been quantified and its influence upon the formation of new hydrates and microstructure of pastes was evidenced.