Effects of Synthetic Hierarchical NaP-Zeolite Addition on Physico-mechanical Properties of OPC Hydration Development

NaP-Zeolite (PZ) can be utilized as pozzolanic material for the improvement of the physico-mechanical, chemical performance and morphological features of cementitious materials. Characterization of PZ was performed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and SEM techniques. This work illustrates the effect of the partial replacement (2.5-20% w/w) of OPC by ZP on the physic-mechanical and chemical characteristics. Water of consistency, setting times, compressive strength, bulk density, total porosity and chemically bound water content results detected that, gradual substitution of OPC by various ratios of PZ enhanced the previous properties at all curing times up to 90-days. Pozzolanic activity of OPC-PZ specimens was confirmed via XRD, SEM and TG/DTG testing that clarified the generation of extra amounts of hydration products such as CSHs and CAHs, which bolsters the physico-mechanical and chemical properties. Obtained outcomes revealed that sample B, including OPC-5% PZ, presented the highest compressive strength, bulk density and chemically bound water contents and the lowest total porosity that were assured by SEM/EDAX images, to clarify more dense and most congested microstructure of platy-like particles of CSHs and CAHs; in addition to, the phase of rode-like shaped crystals of PZ that boosted some micro-reinforcing and filling influences.