The effect of using natural zeolite on the properties and hydration characteristics of blended cements

In this study, various properties and the hydration mechanisms of cements containing natural zeolite were investigated. In the first stage a complete physical, chemical, mineralogical, molecular characterization of the zeolite and cement was performed. In the second stage, the mechanical and physical properties of blended cements, incorporating 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% zeolite by weight were determined. Finally, the hydration rate and products of cement pastes were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 28 days. As it is concluded, the examined zeolite consists mainly of cliniptilolite, which reacts with the Ca(OH)2 generated during the hydration of Portland cement to form cement-like hydrated products. Finally, the addition of zeolite has affected the physical and mechanical properties of the blended cements depending on the amount of zeolite.