Influence of the starting kaolin on alkali-activated materials based on metakaolin. Study of the reaction parameters by isothermal conduction calorimetry

The properties of the product obtained through alkaline activation of metak aolin are directly influenced by the characteristics of the starting kaolin . For the study of this influence, a complete characterization of two spani sh kaolins used to synthesised the material has been carried out. A JAF con duction calorimeter was used to follow metakaolin reaction with NaOH soluti ons. Calorimetric data were obtained isothermally at 45 degreesC with varia ble solution/solid ratio and NaOH solution concentrations varying from 12 t o 18 M. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers.