A thermal analysis study of recycled portland cement concrete (RPCC) aggregates

It is shown that thermal analysis and XRD data can identify the component o f RPCCA which may be hydrated cement or slag (generally considered as an ag gregate component). The other coarse aggregates present may be gravel or li mestone. The fine aggregate often referred to as sand may be quartz or lime stone in origin. The limestone may be dolomite and/or calcite in nature. Th e TG reveals the extent of the hydration product portlandite [Ca(OH)(2)] in the sample, the amount of CaCO3 present, and the amount of dolomite, XRD s tudies confirm the presence of these materials. In old concrete samples, th e portlandite may be partially carbonated. TG data in CO2 allows the presen ce of dolomite to be identified. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.