Peculiarities of hydration processes of cements containing natural zeolite

Abstract

In this study, properties and peculiarities of hydration processes as well as paste microstructure of blended cements containing 10% by weight of natural zeolite were investigated. Free calcium hydroxide content, crystalline hydration products and microstructural architecture of hydrated cement pastes were examined by physical and chemical methods. It was found that the addition of natural zeolite provides formation of an extra amount of fine crystalline ettringite and tobermorite-like calcium hydrosilicates of CSH (B) type in the mineral non-clinker part of Portland cement resulting in strength synthesis of cement stone with high performance properties.

Keywords

• blended cement
• natural zeolite
• hydration
• microstructure
• pozzolanic activity
• plasticizer