Influence of MK on the reaction kinetics in MK/lime and MK-blended cement systems at 20°C

Metakaolin (MK)/lime and MK-blended cement pastes are studied in samples stored and cured at 20 degreesC and up to 360 days of hydration. The nature of the reaction products and their sequence of appearance are obtained from differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show a different behavior of the pozzolanic reaction in both pastes. XRD data reveal the absence of crystalline phases in MK-blended cements up to 360 days of curing. MK shows high pozzolanic activity, which provides the quick formation of CSH, C(2)ASH(8) (stratlingite), and C(4)AH(13) in MK/lime systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.