Microstructure of Dry Mortars without Cement: Specific Surface Area, Pore Size and Volume Distribution Analysis

The evolution of the microstructure wastepaper sludge ash-based dry-mortar mixtures is characterized. Mixtures have been prepared with a large volume ash (WSA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as binder matrix mixed water. Two ratios water/binder (w/b) = 0.5 0.6 were selected. Both these two industrial by-products are well-known supplementary cementitious materials in construction industry they constitute convenient replacement for cement. A series dry mortars w/b activated by three different chemical activators. They placed 4 × 16 cm3 molds then compacted at same compaction energy 600 kN·m/m3. influence water quantity, level activators on was investigated measuring specific surface area, pore size volume. Different samples compared terms adsorption/desorption hysteresis pores network. influences quantity first discussed non-activated this analysis led to selection an optimal comparative study mortars. significant difference behavior observed between studied adsorption property distribution. Then, analyzed considering ratios, mechanical strength obtained type dosage activator used. Dry show micropores regardless activator.