Thermally Activated Bentonite As a Supplementary Cementitious Material – A Review

Abstract

Bentonite is a mixture of clay and non-clay minerals. Montmorillonite clay mineral is a dominant mineral in bentonite. Silica and alumina bond in the crystal structure of montmorillonite. Therefore, they cannot contribute to the pozzolanic reaction. Heat treatment of bentonite leads to the destruction of the crystal structure of montmorillonite and converting silica and alumina to reactive phases. Thermally activated bentonite (TAB) is a relatively low reactive pozzolan when used as partial replacement of Portland cement modifies both fresh and hardened properties of cement paste, mortar, and concrete. The most desired effects of TAB are: improve segregation resistance, reduce the rate of strength gain, and enhance concrete durability against sulfates, chlorides, and acids, in addition to economic and ecological beneficiations. This paper provides information related to heat treatment of bentonite clays and montmorillonite minerals, and their effects on the paste, mortar, and concrete when used as a partial replacement of Portland cement.