Abstract
This paper presents a literature review concerning the characteristics of MgO (magnesium oxide or magnesia) and its application in cementitious materials. It starts with the characterization of MgO in terms of production processes, calcination temperatures, reactivity, and physical properties. Relationships between different MgO characteristics are established. Then, the influence of MgO incorporation on the properties of cementitious materials is investigated. The mechanical strength and durability behaviour of cement pastes, mortars and concrete mixes made with MgO are discussed. The studied properties of MgO–cement mixes include compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, porosity, carbonation, chloride ion penetration, shrinkage, expansion, and hydration degree. In addition, microscopic analyses of MgO-cement mixes are also assessed. Summarizing the results of different studies, it is concluded that MgO incorporation in cementitious materials generally decreases the mechanical strength and shrinkage, and increases the porosity, expansion, carbonation and chloride ion migration. However, it should be emphasized that the properties of the specific MgO used (mainly the calcination temperature, the reactivity and the surface area) have a significant influence on the characteristics of the cementitious materials produced.
Highlights
The demand for cement and natural aggregates has been exponentially increasing due to rapid construction development
From the review of published literature focused on the mechanical strength and durability behaviour of cement pastes, mortars and concrete mixes produced with additional MgO, the following main conclusions were drawn:
The compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength of cementitious materials decreased with the incorporation and increase in the MgO content, regardless of the material being added directly to the mix or to the cement clinker
Summary
The demand for cement and natural aggregates has been exponentially increasing due to rapid construction development. The authors consider that the existence of a review paper that presents the available results up to date in a structured way will be an important support tool to understand whether or not the use of cementitious materials with MgO as replacement of Portland cement is viable in a given application. An initial table of contents was proposed to serve as a guide for the subsequent investigation This allowed a comprehensive exploration of the existing information on various factors relating to the use of MgO in the several properties of cementitious materials. The key points were revealed from the analysis and evaluation data This allowed drawing several conclusions on the effects of using distinct types of MgO on cementitious materials, and enable its use in construction applications
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