Some degradation processes in aluminous cement concretes are related to the
presence of alkalis contained in aggregates or other external sources. Car
bonation of aluminous cement in the presence of alkalis is sometimes called
'alkaline hydrolysis' and has been described by some authors as a catalyti
c-like process which leads to the total destruction of the affected element
(concrete). The minimum parameters required for this hypothetical alkaline
hydrolysis to occur. have been established. However, despite several attem
pts made in specialized laboratories, the process has not yet been proven.
The role played bq, K+, in particular is still unknown. This paper attempts
to investigate the hydration process of aluminous cement in the presence o
f high concentrations of K+ (1 and 3M). The influence of reaction temperatu
re in the evolution of phases and the resistant development is also investi
gated.