Tertiary biocomposite cement and its hydration

The use of pozzolanic and additional cementitious materials due to economic, technical and environmental considerations has become very common in modern concrete construction. Fly ash, when used as mineral admixture in high performance concrete, can improve both the compressive strength and durability properties of the concrete but the disadvantage is long setting time and a slower early strength development. These could be overcome in the presence of some other admixtures. In this paper we have systematically studied the hydration behavior of tertiary biocomposite cement consisting of fly ash, animal bone powder and Ordinary Portland cement. Water consistency, setting time, water percolation, compressive strength and expansion in corrosive atmosphere were measured. IR spectroscopic and TG/DTG studies were made to have an idea about hydration products. Heat evolution profile has been studied using TAM Air calorimeter. SEM studies have been made to have an idea about morphological changes during hydration. Results have shown that the compressive strength values and durability of tertiary biocomposite cement are higher as compared to other cements. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.