Assessment of the suitability of gravel wash mud as raw material for the synthesis of an alkali-activated binder

in Applied Clay Science (TOP10 Journal in Mineralogy) (2018), 161(C), 110-118

Gravel wash mud (GWM), a waste product from gravel mining was dried and processed into a fine powder to be activated by different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions for the synthesis of ... [more ▼]

Gravel wash mud (GWM), a waste product from gravel mining was dried and processed into a fine powder to be activated by different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions for the synthesis of an alkali-activated binder. The GWM powders were thermally treated at five different calcination temperatures 550, 650, 750, 850 and 950°C. The characterisation of the raw material comprises the particle size distribution (PSD) by laser granulometry, the chemical and mineralogical composition by X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analysis respectively, and simultaneous thermal analysis. The performance of the alkali-activated binders was examined using compression strength tests and the microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The GWM was classified as an aluminosilicate raw material with kaolinite and illite as main clay minerals. Furthermore, a mean particle size around 6.50μm was determined for the uncalcined and calcined GWM powders. The SEM images of the developed binders showed the formation of a compact microstructure, however, relatively low strengths were achieved. This preliminary study highlights an example of an aluminosilicate prime material, which shows very promising chemical and mineralogical characteristics, but its suitability for alkaline activation without further additives was not confirmed as far as performance-based criteria are considered. [less ▲]

Mechanical characterisation of alkali activated clay - based geopolymer binder made out of gravel wash mud

in Iacobescu, Remus Ion; Malfliet, Annelies (Eds.) Proceedings of the 5th International Slag Valorisation Symposium (2017, April)

One of the most promising cement alternatives are geopolymer cements. The term “geopolymer” was mentioned for the first time by Davidovits1 and classifies all forms of inorganic polymeric material ... [more ▼]

One of the most promising cement alternatives are geopolymer cements. The term “geopolymer” was mentioned for the first time by Davidovits1 and classifies all forms of inorganic polymeric material synthesised by chemical reaction of aluminosilicates and an alkaline activating solution. The production of geopolymer binder comprises in two main procedures: calcination and geopolymerisation. The synthesised geopolymer shows interesting characteristics like good mechanical properties, high strength and good durability. [less ▲]

Cement-Superplasticizer Incompatibility: hydration products involved in rheological changes

Scientific Conference (2008, September 10)

Compatibilités et Incompatibilités Liants / Superplastifiants

Presentation (2008)