Thermo-alkali activation of talc for the production of a novel white one-part alkali-activated magnesia-based cement

Abstract

This work focuses on the fabrication of white one-part alkali-activated magnesia-based cement (AAMC) using the vitrification of talc (Tc) in the presence of NaOH or NaAlO2. The results revealed that regardless of Na2O-source, increasing alkali-activator content (up to Na2O/Tc of 0.15) enhances the transformation of Tc from crystalline into amorphous structure with high hydraulic reactivity. Comparing to white Portland cement, one-part-AAMC synthesized in the presence of NaAlO2 shows higher early compressive strength, higher whiteness, and lower bulk density. This improves the capability of utilizing this mixture as a lightweight and a rapid-hardening cement in prestige construction projects and decorative works.