Abstract
Alkali-activated metakaolin (AAMK) is a type of aluminosilicate-rich material often regarded as a potential alternative to ordinary Portland cement due to a smaller carbon footprint. However, the multiscale pore structure of AAMK, and how it is influenced by availability of free silica from the activator, remains largely unknown. Here, a Monte Carlo simulation approach is employed to generate the pore structure of AAMKs with different activator silicate moduli (SiO2/Na2O ratio). The simulation-derived pore size distributions are compared with experimental data obtained using nitrogen sorption (NAD) to assess the validity of the simulation results where qualitative agreement is obtained. The larger length scale pores in AAMKs are characterized using NAD and mercury intrusion porosimetry. This study stresses the importance of using complementary pore characterization techniques when investigating materials with multiscale pore structures, and shows the promise of the simulation approach to predict key transport properties of AAMKs and other cementitious materials.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
