Study on microstructure and mechanical property of interfacial transition zone between limestone aggregate and Sialite paste

The hydrating products as well as the microstructure at the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between limestone aggregate and Sialite paste have been studied using XRD, SEM and EDAX methods. The inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) has been employed to investigate the solution phenomena of limestone by three kinds of different liquids. This paper reports the bonding strength of ITZ and the durability of Sialite concrete including water penetrability, chloride penetration, carbonated depth and freeze–thaw durability. It was found that Ca(OH)2 crystals were not observed in the Sialite hydrating products at 28 days and at the ITZ. The interfacial bonding strength of Sialite was significantly stronger than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The presence of rock-forming liquid comprising a variety of minerals was also effective in improving the interfacial bonding strengths between limestone aggregates and Sialite paste.