Mineralogical study of concretes prepared using carbonated flyash as part replacement of cement

Abstract

Cement production is excessive energy intensive, responsible for depletion of natural layers and high carbon foot print. Thus search for an environmentally benign cement substitute still is an on-going process. Fly ash is a well-established concrete admixture enhancing the strength, durability and micro-structural properties. As well as it is a good reagent to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide. Concretes prepared through part replacement of cement by carbonated fly ash demonstrate good resistance against chloride, acid and sulfate attack. In the present research mineralogical study of CFC (Carbonated Fly ash concrete) has been conducted through XRD analysis. XRD of control concrete (CC) and fly ash concrete (FC) have also been carried out to study the comparative distributions of mineral crystallites present in concretes. The tests have been conducted in the concrete specimens cured in water for 28 days and 90 days to study the effect of hydration and extent of pozzolanic reaction on the mineralogical composition. Two replacement levels of 25 and 40% were considered for experimentation. The qualitative XRD investigation yielded a higher intensity of CaCO3 in the concretes prepared using Carbonated Fly ash. The presence of CaCO3 helped the concretes in developed chemical resistances dense and improved microstructure. The thermogravimetric analysis further confirmed the presence of higher Carbonates in the CFC specimens.