A comprehensive study of basalt fiber reinforced magnesium phosphate cement incorporating ultrafine fly ash

This study investigated the influence of ultrafine fly ash (FA) on the mechanical properties, elevated temperature resistance and water stability of basalt fiber reinforced magnesium phosphate cement, and synergy mechanism was examined with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/SEM-EDS) analysis techniques. Experimental results showed that incorporation of FA improved the mechanical properties, temperature resistance and water stability of MPC composites. TGA results exhibited that the mass loss of MPC composites was gradually reduced by increasing the percentage of FA. MIP analysis showed that cumulative pore volume, volume percentage of large pores and mean pore diameter of were decreased with the addition of FA. XRD and SEM-EDS analysis of MPC composites revealed the formation of secondary reaction products, that could be possibly responsible for the superior properties of FA/MPC composites. Importantly, the results of all characterization techniques corroborated with the mechanical results of MPC composites.