Transformation of fly ash into a fluffy C-S-H material: Enhancing chemical properties and advancing the utilization of portland cement

Industrial waste fly ash was transformed into a fluffy C-S-H (hydrated calcium silicate) material with thermal activation process . The textural property of the material makes it easily integrated and well dispersed in cement using 2% addition. Characterization techniques such as hydration heat, XRD , thermogravimetric analysis , were carried out to elucidate the effect of this C-S-H on cement hydration : the compressive strength of cement mortar was improved beyond 25%; and the viscosity of cement paste was reduced by 22%; the volume of solidified cement expand by 10%. This advances the overall utilization of cement and improve the properties as well.