Assessment of perlite by-product as pozzolanic material in cement pastes

Abstract

This research investigates the suitability of perlite by-product as a potential pozzolanic material in cement-based pastes and compares its performance with natural pozzolan. The study evaluates both the fresh and hardened properties of the pastes. The investigation involves analysis of hydration heat records, hydration formed products, water demand, and setting times, that preseted small deviations. The findings reveal that the perlite by-product exhibits promising characteristics, suggesting its viability as a pozzolanic material in cement pastes. Perlite specimens presented greater mass loss due to calcium-aluminum species, according to TG at early age, as well at later age as depicted in DSC curves. Diffraction patterns and IR assignments showed that waste-perlite systems formed carbonated species with different crystallinity at 180 days. Nevertheless, compressive strength and open porosity of those pastes exhibited behavior similar to the ones incorporating natural pozzolan, apart from 10 % to 20 % systems, where perlite seems to offer slightly greater strength at later age. This study sheds light on the potential benefits of utilizing perlite by-product as an alternative pozzolanic material, rather than depositing it and cause environmetanl problems. Based on its later age properties, perlite could enhance the performance and sustainability of cement-based products in various applications.