The Effect of Fly Ash on Some Surface Characteristics and Microstructure of β-C 2 S

Abstract

The effect of the addition of fly ash (0–15 wt. %) on the surface characteristics of β-C₂S and its microstructure was investigated using nitrogen adsorption at −196°C together with scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The results obtained revealed that the addition of fly ash up to 5 wt. % increased the specific surface area by 32% followed by a decrease of 34% when the fly ash content was increased up to 15 wt. %. SEM investigation showed that the hydrates produced form an outer shell which coats the fly ash particles.