The effect of dried paper-mill sludge on cement hydration

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In the paper, the impact of paper-mill sludge dried at 75 °C (PS) on cement hydration is being analysed. The used specimens were made of CEM I 42.5 R cement and the added PS replaced 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% by mass of cement. The results of calorimetric measurements of the mixtures and the compressive strength were analysed (W/(C + PS) = 0.35). SEM and XRD tests were carried out after 3, 14, 28 and 56 days of curing W/(C + PS) = 1. PS was found to extend the induction period of the cement hydration and delay the time of the secondary heat release effect, especially in specimens with the highest content of the PS. The total heat release (after 96 h) measurement results showed that the highest total heat evolved from specimens without the PS. The total liberated heat gradually increased with the increase in the PS content in the cement paste mixture. In the specimens with 15% of PS, the total heat release decreased by 20%, as compared to the control specimen without the additive. XRD test results revealed that the standard minerals listed below were formed in cement stone: ettringite, calcite, portlandite, and calcium aluminium silicate hydrate. SEM tests revealed significant changes in cement stone microstructure caused by the increase in the PS in cement paste. The compressive strength of specimens with PS waste was found to be considerably lower in the initial stage of hardening; however, when samples hardening time is increased up to 56 days, the difference between the values of compressive strength for specimens 5% of PS and the control specimens decreases.