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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/226011
Mechanically activated kaolin replacing metakaolin in alkali-activated cement formulation
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This work provides in-depth research on alkali-activated binder formulations, employing mechanically activatedkaolin (K-MA) as a substitute precursor for metakaolin (MK). The potential of K-MA to replace MK was evaluated byconducting an extensive characterization of the alkali-activated cements (AACs). The structural analysis performedthrough Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),27Aluminum magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al MAS NMR), and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) revealed that K-MA enhances the amorphous nature and microstructural homogeneity of cements. The resultsdemonstrated that K-MA-based cements exhibit superior compressive strength than MK-based cements, especiallywhen sodium silicate (waterglass) was added, achieving values up to 42 MPa at 28 days. These findings suggest thatK-MA is a highly effective precursor for AACs formulation, as well as an alternative to replace MK. While thermalactivation (TA) processes for dehydroxylation are associated with significant CO2 emissions, mechanical activation(MA) offers a more sustainable alternative by utilizing electrical energy, which can be derived from less pollutingrenewable sources.
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MARCO-GIBERT, Josep, et al. Mechanically activated kaolin replacing metakaolin in alkali-activated cement formulation. Journal Of Sustainable Cement-Based Materials. 2025. Vol. 1-48. ISSN 2165-0373. [consulted: 14 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/226011