Influence of MK on the reaction kinetics in MK/lime and MK-blended cement systems at 20 degrees C

Metakaolin (MK)/lime and MK-blended cement pastes are studied in samples st ored and cured at 20 degreesC and up to 360 days of hydration. The nature o f the reaction products and their sequence of appearance are obtained from differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show a different behavior of the pozzolanic reaction in both p astes. XRD data reveal the absence of crystalline phases in MK-blended ceme nts up to 360 days of curing. MK shows high pozzolanic activity, which prov ides the quick formation of CSH, C(2)ASH(8) (stratlingite), and C(4)AH(13) in MK/lime systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.