Influence of Surface Electrical Properties of C-S-H on Chloride Binding in Slag-Blended Cementitious Materials

Abstract

In this study, the surface electrical properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and their influence on ionic adsorption have been investigated to be able to predict chloride binding in slag-containing cementitious materials. The experimental data showed that the electrokinetic potential of slag cement paste (SCP) is intermediate between hydrated cement paste (HCP) and C-S-H with Ca/Si of 1. (C-S-H:1.) or slag calcium hydroxide paste (SCHP). Two types of C-S-H available in the hydrated SCP for ionic adsorption are considered: one is similar to the C-S-H of HCP and other is like C-S-H:1.. The surface complexation modeling parameters for ionic adsorption on C-S-H:1. were estimated by fitting the experimental data to simulation results. The estimated parameters for C-S-H:1. together with surface complexation modeling parameters for HCP were used to predict the adsorption of chloride on SCP. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental data and follow a Freundlich isotherm. When portland cement is partially replaced by slag, it modifies the surface electrical properties of C-S-H in addition to mineralogy and pore structure and leads to change in the chloride adsorption behavior.