Engineering properties, phase evolution and microstructure of the iron-rich aluminosilicates-cement based composites: Cleaner production of energy efficient and sustainable materials

This paper investigates the direct transformation of laterites (natural iron-rich aluminosilicates) to cementitious composites with principal mineral phases being Gismondine and Stratlingite. The effects particles size distribution cement content (2 8 wt%) on mechanical properties microstructure laterite-cement are assessed. Four grades granulometry various percentages fine coarse were considered. Environment Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) X-ray Powder Diffractometry (XRD) performed after 1, 90 365 days, assess phase’s evolution, performance composites. It is found that fines particles, essentially pozzolanic amorphous, responsible for bonding strength while improve compressive strength. Dense compact microstructure, water absorption under 18% flexural above 6 MPa (compressive > 30 MPa) could be achieved as from 4 wt% making composite appropriate building construction materials. choice a highly corroded class laterite selection particle allows production optimum presented energy-efficient sustainable. Thus, or indurated considered “green metakaolins” which do not require any energy their unlike clayey