Effects of curing temperature and NaOH addition on hydration and strength development of clinker-free CKD-fly ash binders

Effects of curing temperature and NaOH addition on hydration and strength development of cement kiln dust (CKD)-fly ash (FA) binders were investigated. Pastes made with 50% CKD and 50% FA, having 0, 2, and 5% NaOH addition, and cured at temperatures of 24, 38, and 50 °C were evaluated. The hydration products of the binders were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests. The results indicate that the major crystalline hydration product of the CKD-FA binders is ettringite, and the ettringite is stable in the CKD-FA system at age over 100 days. Curing at elevated temperature is more effective for CKD-FA binder strength improvement than NaOH addition, the later often depressing ettringite formation in a CKD-FA system. At a proper curing temperature (38 °C), addition of a small amount of NaOH (2%) may increase CKD-FA binder strength; while at a high curing temperature (50 °C), addition of NaOH (2%) may reduce the binder strength.