The effect of mechano-chemical activation and surface treatment of limestone filler on the properties of construction composites

Abstract

Abstract The effect of the combined actions of milling and hydrophobization procedures applied in construction composites synthesis was investigated. The mortars were prepared with cement (CEM I 42.5) and calcite aggregate complying the standard 1:3 mix ratio. The limestone filler (10 wt%) was added to the mixture upon its mechano-chemical activation in an ultra-centrifugal mill. The activation variables (milling time, rotor velocity, sieve mesh size) were altered to achieve the optimal quality of the powder. The treatment was optimized via chemometric tools. The r2 values (0.955–0.998) of second order polynomial models accurately predicted the output and the Standard score analysis chose the optimal activation parameters: 4.25 min; 48.58 m/s and 80 μm sieve. The selected filler and all three aggregate fractions were coated with stearic acid via dry procedure. The mortar mixes, prepared with uncoated (M1) and coated (M2) aggregate and filler, were cured for a period of 28 days during which compressive strength and water absorption were monitored. The dimensional changes in mortars were estimated via TMA dilatometer measurements. Thermo-analytical methods (DTA/TGA) were applied in the thermal behavior analysis. Mineralogical and morphological changes in the structure of hardened composite were detected by XRD and SEM, respectively. Limestone aggregate led to lower final compressive strengths in mortar, but it produced an infinitesimally small shrinkage at 1000 °C. The hydrophobization via stearic acid initiated the decrease in water absorption and formation of needle-like micro-network that filled structural voids reducing open porosity. The assessment of the effects of limestone utilization as a filler and as an aggregate on the mortar performances confirmed that this novel water-repellent composite is applicable in structural design.