Influence of processing temperature on the reaction product and strength gain in alkali-activated fly ash

The roles of temperature and curing periods on product formation and strength gain in alkali activation of low calcium siliceous fly ash are evaluated. Higher temperature favors the kinetics of amorphous reaction product formation and inclusion of Si in the reaction product, which accompanies the densification of the microstructure. Following initial curing at 60 degrees C, the reaction product continues to form in the activated system on decreasing the temperature to 25 degrees C. Initial curing at 25 degrees C does not lead to formation of reaction product. Reaction product forms in the system for initial curing temperature of 40 degrees C and higher. The rate of the solid-based reaction, after hardening, is increased by temperature. The total amorphous reaction product content formed in the system depends on the water to solids ratio of the activated mix. The amorphous product composition, however, varies with temperature. With time there is an increase in the Si/Al ratio in the reaction product formed 40 degrees C and higher. For initial curing at 60 degrees C, there is no increase in the Si/Al ratio in the reaction product when the temperature is decreased to 25 degrees C. Reaction product with a higher Si/Al atomic ratio achieves a higher ultimate compressive strength. On increasing the Si/Al ratio in the reaction product from 2.5 to 3.3, the ultimate compressive strength achieved increased from 60 MPa to 74 MPa. Early curing, immediately after mixing, at a higher temperature is critical in achieving a higher Si/Al atomic ratio in the reaction product. Optimum initial curing time at high temperature is based on achieving a high Si/Al atomic ratio in the reaction product.