Abstract
This paper presents the microscopic characterization of two types of fly ash belite cements and their hydration products by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The cements were obtained from ASTM class C coal fly ash by the hydrothermal–calcination route in water (FABC‐2‐W) and NaOH 1M solution (FABC‐2‐N). The hydration was studied during a period of 180 days at 21°C and >95% RH. The results showed significant incorporation of aluminum (Al) into the C–S–H gel and other minor elements, with a presumable composition close to that of aluminum‐tobermorite. The C–S–H composition of the FABC‐2‐W is more stable over the hydration time than that of the FABC‐2‐N cement. Portlandite is scarcely formed during hydration.
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