Activation of fly ash cementitious systems in the presence of quicklime. Part II: Nature of hydration products, porosity and microstructure development

Following the first paper of a two-part series study on the activating effect of industrial quicklime upon different fly ashes, the current paper concludes on its beneficial role by focusing on the nature of hydration products, pore size and microstructure evolution of each system that was investigated. By looking into the development of these properties, the exact effect of the chemical activator could be elucidated, but furthermore a first approximation of the durability efficiency of the examined systems could be obtained. In the frame of this second part, it was demonstrated that, apart from portlandite, calcium sulphoaluminates (ettringite and monosulfoaluminate) along with some gismondine and gehlenite hydrate (C2ASH8) crystals are formed in activated fly ash-cement pastes from the first week of hydration. Mercury intrusion porosimetry data confirmed the beneficial action of quicklime, towards decreasing the total pore volume (and concurrent increase in the volume occupied by fine pores) in high-lime ash blends. Gel/space ratios were estimated for each blended paste, and fine, almost linear, correlation was established with total porosity values. Microscopical observations revealed that the critical contribution of quicklime in the production of secondary C–S–H nearby the ash particles. The flocculent-like gel collaborates smoothly with needle-like products and finely-dispersed crystals towards the gradual impletion of the pores and strengthening of the paste.