Study of Ettringite by Hydration of Yeelimite Clinker

This article describes the results of experimental works, dealing with long-term observing of ettringite stability (Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O). Thermodynamic stability of this mineral is important in terms of potential use of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) ash as an additive to Portland cement. Within the experimental work it was carried out observing of the ettringite formation by hydration of yeelimitu (Ca4Al6(SO4)·O12) in laboratory conditions. For the preparation of yeelimite it was proposed a three-component raw material mixture, consisting of a high percent limestone and gypsum and corundum. This mixture was subsequently placed in platinum crucibles and burnt in superkanthal kiln at 1200 °C. Formed clinker was mixed in chosen ratio with water and it was prepared a set of testing samples. These samples were exposed in the laboratory environment for up to 180 days. The hydration of the clinker was carried out using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) by determining the mineralogical composition.