Comparison of calorimetric methods for the assessment of slag cement hydration

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to future-proofing the supply of cement powders for the UK’s nuclear waste cementation program, by enabling rapid and reliable assessment of heat evolution from candidate grout formulations. Isothermal conduction calorimetry and semi-adiabatic calorimetry experiments were carried out at room temperature, to monitor the heat of hydration of blended blast furnace slag (BFS)-Portland cement formulations of relevance for wasteform grout applications. By changing the particle size distribution of the BFS, the physical and chemical properties of the cement grout are altered, and this can be monitored and understood through comparison between the two calorimetry methods.