Mechanical evaluation and hydration kinetics of cement pastes with dolomitic filler

Abstract The scarcity of high-purity limestone subjects the cement industry to consider alternative supplementary cementitious materials for production. This research aimed investigate mechanical properties and hydration kinetics pastes in presence high levels different fineness dolomite, especially formation thaumasite. A dolomite filler with 20% magnesium oxide, average diameters 10 µm, 6 µm 4 was used as a partial replacement Portland at 0%, 15% 35% cured 5 ºC 20 ºC. results compressive strength showed similarities all analyzed, but significant difference between strengths obtained. isothermal calorimetry indicated that had nucleation dilution effect. thermogravimetry revealed dependent substitution levels, presented differences amount ettringite carbonate phases. mineralogical analysis detected thaumasite only temperature ºC, which this mineral can also form higher temperatures than those reported literature. Finally, we conclude positively about possibility using matrices up 35%, regardless curing temperature.