Effect of brick powder on the pore solution and microstructure of Portland cement

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of brick powder on the pore solution and microstructure of Portland cement, the pH value, ion concentration and electrical conductivity of the pore solution were explored, and the pore structure and morphology of cementitious materials was explored by Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in this study. The results indicated that the addition of brick powder decreases the pH value of the pore solution and also has an impact on the ion concentration of the pore solution. The pozzolanic reaction at the late hydration stage consumes Ca2+ and decreases the pH value. And the pozzolanic reaction products fill pore and refine the pore size, in addition, brick powder also has filler effect and dilution effect. The addition of brick powder reduces the aspect ratio of ettringite.