Exploration of Carbon Dioxide Curing of Low Reactive Alkali-Activated Fly Ash

Effects of Rest Time and Curing Regime on Short- and Long-Term Strength of Class C Fly Ash-Based Alkali-Activated Mortars

This study investigated how different rest times affect the strength development of fly-ash-based alkali-activated mortar (AAM) over a period of 90 days. Two types of fly ash with varying calcium oxide contents of 37 and 21% were used. The rest times ranged from 2 to 36 h, and three curing methods (ambient, oven, and steam) were tested. The results showed that the rest time significantly influenced the compressive strength of the AAM. The optimal rest time was found to be between 12 and 30 h depending on the curing method and fly ash type. Beyond this range, there were only minor changes in strength. One type of fly ash (FA21) showed higher strength with longer rest times up to 30 h, while the other type (FA37) had the highest strength within a rest time range of from 12 to 24 h. Over the 90-day period, the specimens cured under ambient, oven, and steam conditions at 55 °C (131 °F) experienced increasing strength, but those steam-cured at 80 °C (176 °F) showed a decrease in strength. Analysis revealed the formation of hydration products in FA37, while FA21 showed a reduction in peaks for its main compounds. Additionally, XRD analysis revealed the formation of hydration products (CSH and CASH) in FA37, while FA21 displayed a reduction in peaks for its main compounds. EDS analysis indicated the presence of partially unreacted FA particles, highlighting the impact of curing methods on dissolving FA particles and the formation of geopolymer products (NASH and CNASH) responsible for compressive strength development.

Carbonation of Alkali-Activated Materials: A Review

This paper presents a literature review on the effects of accelerated carbonation on alkali-activated materials. It attempts to provide a greater understanding of the influence of CO₂ curing on the chemical and physical properties of various types of alkali-activated binders used in pastes, mortars, and concrete. Several aspects related to changes in chemistry and mineralogy have been carefully identified and discussed, including depth of CO₂ interaction, sequestration, reactions with calcium-based phases (e.g., calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrates and calcium aluminosilicate hydrates), as well as other aspects related to the chemical composition of alkali-activated materials. Emphasis has also been given to physical alterations such as volumetric changes, density, porosity, and other microstructural properties caused by induced carbonation. Moreover, this paper reviews the influence of the accelerated carbonation curing method on the strength development of alkali-activated materials, which has been awarded little attention considering its potential. This curing technique was found to contribute to the strength development mainly through decalcification of the Ca phases existing in the alkali-activated precursor, leading to the formation of CaCO₃, which leads to microstructural densification. Interestingly, this curing method seems to have much to offer in terms of mechanical performance, making it an attractive curing solution that can compensate for the loss in performance caused by less efficient alkali-activated binders replacing Portland cement. Optimising the application of such CO₂-based curing methods for each of the potential alkali-activated binders is recommended for future studies for maximum microstructural improvement, and thus mechanical enhancement, to make some of the "low-performing binders" adequate Portland cement substitutes.