Effect of Addition of Nucleation Seeds in Alkali Activated Binders

Author(s): Sravanthi Puligilla(1), Dipobrato Sarbapalli(2) and Paramita Mondal(3)
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 71st RILEM Annual Week & ICACMS 2017,Chennai,India, 3rd -8th September 2017
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam
Ravindra Gettu
Radhakrishna G. Pillai
Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN: 978-2-35158-196-4
ISBN: 978-2-35158-190-2 (Set)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9:
Publisher: Published by RILEM Publications S.A.R.L.
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 136-143
Total Pages: 8
Language : English

Abstract: Alkali activated binders (AABs) are promising alternatives to ordinary Portland cement
binders as they are more environmentally friendly and can CO2 emissions by 80-90%.
However, control over the rate of early age reaction and setting time is necessary for
successful adoption of AABs by concrete industry. In this research, commercial nanoparticles
and synthesized reaction products were used as external nucleation seeds in an attempt to

understand the reaction mechanism of AABs. Two binder systems were chosen: a user-
friendly fly ash-slag binder and a metakaolin binder. Alkali hydroxides were used for

activation, and no soluble silica was introduced in these systems. Commercial seeds include
titanium dioxide, alumina and zinc oxide. Synthesized seeds, based on the reaction products
of these systems, such as C-S-H, C-A-S-H gels, and zeolites were used. The effects on
chemical reaction kinetics were monitored through isothermal calorimetry at room
temperature. Calorimetry revealed that product based seeds were seen to have a significant
effect on the reaction of both systems. On the other hand, commercial seeds showed some
promise as seeds in the fly ash-slag system.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00