Calcium-rich biomass ash as a carbonate material in Portland base systems

Abstract

The use of alternative materials to substitute clinker has been widely studied to reduce costs, as well as to minimize environmental damage caused by the Portland cement production. It was evaluated the influence of the calcium-rich algaroba (Prosopis juliflora) ash on the Portland cement hydration mechanism, and its main hydrated phases. The physical and chemical characteristics of the raw materials have been evaluated. Compositions containing 5%, 10%, and 15% of algaroba ash were analyzed and compared with commercial Portland cement with limestone filler (6-10%), CPII-F. The algaroba ash is a potential alternative filler for application in Portland-based cement systems. It acted similarly to the limestone filler regarding the C-S-H nucleation, ettringite stabilization and the tendency to form carboaluminates.