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Micromechanical multiscale model for alkali activation of fly ash and metakaolin

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Abstract

The process of alkali activation of fly ash and metakaolin is examined in the view of micromechanics. Elasticity is predicted via semi-analytical homogenization methods, using a combination of intrinsic elastic properties obtained from nanoindentation, evolving volume fractions and percolation theory. A new quantitative model for volume fraction is formulated, distinguishing the evolution of unreacted aluminosilicate material, solid gel particles of N-A-S-H gel, and open porosity, which is partially filled with the activator. The stiffening of N-A-S-H gel is modeled by increasing the fraction of solid gel particles. Their packing density and intrinsic elasticity differ in N-A-S-H gels synthesized from both activated materials. Percolation theory helps to address the quasi-solid transition at early ages and explains a long setting time and the beneficial effect of thermal curing. The low ability of N-A-S-H gel to bind water chemically explains the high porosity of Ca-deficient activated materials. Micromechanical analysis matches well the elastic experimental data during the activation and elucidates important stages in the formation of the microstructure.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Czech Science Foundation under the grant GAP104/10/2344, GA103/09/1748 and MSM 6046137302. M. Vokáč from Klokner Institute, CTU in Prague is greatly acknowledged for conducting precise measurements of elastic moduli.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7, 166 29, Prague 6, Czech Republic

    Vít Šmilauer, Petr Hlaváček, Rostislav Šulc, Lubomír Kopecký & Jiří Němeček

  2. Department of Glass and Ceramics, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague, Czech Republic

    František Škvára

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  1. Vít Šmilauer
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  2. Petr Hlaváček
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  3. František Škvára
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  5. Lubomír Kopecký
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  6. Jiří Němeček
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Correspondence to Vít Šmilauer.

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Šmilauer, V., Hlaváček, P., Škvára, F. et al. Micromechanical multiscale model for alkali activation of fly ash and metakaolin. J Mater Sci 46, 6545–6555 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-011-5601-x

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