General study of alkaline hydrolysis in calcium aluminate cement mortars under a broad range of experimental conditions

In the present paper the phenomenon of alkaline hydrolysis of calcium alumi nate cement (CAC) mortars has been studied. It has been reproduced from dif ferent conditions, in specimens manufactured at temperatures of 5 degreesC and 60 degreesC. Phase evolution was studied from X-ray diffraction (XRD) s pectra. An evaluation of the compressive and flexural strengths obtained fr om different curing conditions is also described. The carbonation process i n the absence of alkalis can be considered beneficial when it takes place o n totally converted CAC mortars. The degradation process through alkaline h ydrolysis, and hence the loss of resistance characteristics, takes place on ly when CBC conglomerates contain hydrated CAC. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.