Quantitative determination of phases in the alkali activation of fly ash. Part I. Potential ash reactivity

The various (vitreous and crystalline) components of two type F fly ashes are quantified in this paper using three techniques: chemical analysis with selective solutions, X-ray powder diffraction combined with the Rietveld method and nuclear magnetic resonance. The findings confirm the suitability of the techniques to pursue the objectives while providing further insight into the chemical composition of the vitreous phase of the ash as well as an understanding of the thermal history of these materials. Finally, the paper corroborates the grounds established in prior research for regarding the glassy constituents of an ash to be instrumental in the control of its alkali reactivity during the manufacture of ‘alkaline cements’.