Properties and durability of metakaolin blended cements

This paper evaluates the optimal calcination temperature and replacement ratio to ensure high metakaolin (MK) pozzolanicity in blended cement. The MK used was prepared by firing two types of local at temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 degrees C. Dry blends of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and varying proportions of MK were mixed with the amount of water required to ensure optimal consistency of the resulting pastes. The specimens were cured at 100% RH for 24 h and then immersed in water for 3, 7, 28, 90 or 180 days. At each test time, the degree of hydration and compressive strength of the hardened cement pastes were measured The findings showed that the most suitable calcination temperature to obtain metakaolin is 700 degrees C, while the optimal replacement ratio ranges from 25 to 30%. DTA was used to determine the phases comprising the hydration products forming at the ages studied. Pure OPC and OPC-MK specimens were immersed in 3% NaCl and 5% MgSO4 solutions for 30, 90 and 180 days to measure their durability. The OPC-MK pastes immersed in the 3% NaCl solution were observed to be highly resistant to chloride attack.