A study on the effects of diatomite blend in natural pozzolan-blended cements

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine usability of diatomite, a natural amorphous and porous raw material, as an additional blend in an effort to improve the performances of natural pozzolan-blended cements. To this aim, varying proportions of pozzolan, diatomite and pozzolandiatomite-blended cements were prepared and chemical, physical, mechanical, mineralogical and microstructural tests were applied to the resulting cements. The test results indicated that diatomite blend may be effective in improving pozzolanic properties, reducing setting time, reducing alkali content and increasing early-ultimate strengths of pozzolan-blended cements.