Microstructure and Porosity of Metakaolin Blended Cements

Abstract

ABSTRACTFive compositions with 10% to 50% metakaolin for cement substitution were studied. The rate of hydration was studied from the compressive strength after up to 6 months of curing and from the hydrates formed (DTA-XRD). The metakaolin addition considerably reduced portlandite content in the hydrated cement and contributed to the formation of hydrated gehlenite which is not present in OPC paste. The microstructure study (SEM) shows that pozzolanic cement pastes were less crystallized than plain pastes. Mercury intrusion was used to measure porosity of hydrated cement pastes. The porosity with blended cements was higher than that with OPC, except for 10 and 20% metakaolin substitution. Evolution of the pore size distribution was studied: the pozzolanic pastes enhance small diameters.