Improvement in chloride immobilization of cement-metakaolin system by triisopropanolamine

Metakaolin (MK) is a widely used admixture in chloride immobilization which is conducive to the durability of reinforced concrete. In this study, triisopropanolamine (TIPA) was added into cement-MK system to improve the chloride immobilization by expediting the pozzolanic reaction of MK. The effect of TIPA on hydration of binder composed of 90% Portland cement and 10% MK was investigated, and the hydration behavior was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis , X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy , and mercury intrusion porosimetry , based on the evaluation of pozzolanic reaction of MK by ion dissolution. Results indicated that TIPA promoted the hydration of both MK and cement, and chloride immobilization was also improved. The mechanism for the improvement was involved in three aspects: a) TIPA facilitated the dissolution of aluminum from MK to obtain more chloroaluminate salts, strengthening chemical binding; b) TIPA accelerated hydration of cement and MK for more C-S-H gel, conducive to the physical adsorption; c) TIPA increased the amount of hydrates to refine the pore structure , hindering the migration of chloride ion. This investigation provided one new method for improving the pozzolanic reaction of MK to enhance chloride immobilization of cement-MK system.