Title: Effect of Calcium Formate on Hydration Mechanism of Cement Fly Ash Blends

Author(s): T. Hemalatha, Karunanithi Arthi, and Maitri Mapa

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 116

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 51-59

Keywords: calcium formate; degree of hydration; fly ash; heat of hydration

DOI: 10.14359/51716680

Date: 7/1/2019

Abstract:
The evolution of properties of cement fly ash blends are greatly influenced by the degree of hydration of both fly ash and cement. Due to the complexity in the reaction mechanism of fly ash in cement, despite the broad-based research carried out in the past few decades, hydration mechanisms of cement fly ash is not well established yet. Nowadays, the third ingredient such as calcium formate, calcium chloride, and calcium carbonate are added to cement fly ash blends to eliminate the well-known drawbacks of reduced early-age strength and delayed setting time of fly ash, that makes the hydration mechanism even more complex. This study attempts to investigate the influence of incorporation of calcium formate on hydration mechanism of cement fly ash blends at various replacement levels at both early and later ages. Study shows that the incorporation of calcium formate improved the strength of cement fly ash blends at early ages.