A new pozzolan for high performance cementitious materials

This paper presents results on the physical and chemical properties of metakaolinite, MK which is prepared by dehydroxylation of high quality kaolinite. The properties of Portland cement mortars blended with MK additions up to 50% are investigated. These properties are compressive strength, pore size distribution, resistance to the penetration of water and chloride ions and corrosion performance of steels embedded in the mortar. The optimum replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with MK to obtain high strength concrete is about 20%, but it is possible to use a higher percent in order to achieve the best durability properties and strength similar to the control mixture. There is a significant decrease in average pore size with an increase in MK replacement. Metakaolinite is able to bind chloride ions to produce Friedel's salt (SF), which can be considered as the main cause of the lower chloride penetration in portland cement mortars blended with MK addition. This chemical binding capacity was proved by XRD. In general, the test results indicate that the MK is a highly pozzolanic material and can be used as a supplementary cementing material in order to produce a high-performance concrete especially for use in aggressive environments. Such as, thawing salts and dew of the sea.