**Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate**

## **1. Blended cements**

The term **blended cement** (**multicomponent cement**) is usually used to denote inorganic binder that contains a mineral additions in combination with Portland cement and often also with calcium sulfate. Blended cements usually contain single blending component as an ad‐ dition, in the case that two or more blending component are applied, the term **multicompo‐ nent cement** is used. A variety of industrial by-products and natural materials quantify as mineral additions, and may be used as constituents of inorganic binders of cementitious sys‐ tems. These materials may possess their own cementitious properties, or they may be latent hydraulic, pozzolanic, or even non-reactive [12,387,599-601].


ASTM C2 19 defines blended hydraulic cement as hydraulic cement consisting of two or more inorganic constituents (at least one of which is not Portland cement or Portland ce‐ ment clinker) which separately or in combination contribute to the strength gaining proper‐ ties of cement (made with or without other blendings constituents, processing additions and functional additionsadded during grinding) and are added by intergrinding or blending.

**Figure 1.** SEM image of microsilica (a), calcined kaolin (b) and blast furnace slag (c).

The types of blended cements covered by this specification are divided as follows [611]:

Portland blast-furnace slag cement;

Portland-pozzolan cement;

Slag cement;

Pozzolan-modified Portland cement;

Slag modified Portland cement.

#### **1.1. Blends of strontium aluminate and aluminate cement**

The effect of calcium aluminate onto the hydration of strontium aluminate was investigated by the calorimetric experiment (Fig.2) using the blend of both constituents. Isothermal calo‐ rimetric measurement shows that the main hydration effect of calcium aluminate cement1 is delayed in time, the peak height decreases while the peak width increases with increasing content of strontium aluminate in the mixture. The effect of fast evolution of heat after mix‐ ing strontium aluminate cement with water (Chapter 5.2) increases with the content of it the sample. After the first 95 hours of hydration the hydration curves of all samples drop down to the baseline, but the cements still produces the heat flow of 0.09 (Secar 51), 0.11 (20:1), 0.09 (10:1), 0,20 (5:1), 0.08 J⋅g-1 (1:1).

character composed of radiating mass of slender, needle-like crystals with the hexagonal base were formed. These crystals are the main product of hydration in multicomponent AC

**Figure 3.** X-ray diffraction analysis of cement stone of SrAC and CAC blend in the mass ratio of 10:1.

**Figure 2.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the blend of strontium aluminate and calcium aluminate cement.

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 189

Thermal analysis of hydrated sample (Fig.5(a)) shows huge endothermic peak at 120 °C and smaller endothermic peat at 250 °C. The first effect is caused by the loss of molecular water of CAH10. Since much water is bound very weakly, the water loss starts with drying. The peak intensity and its shape are then affected by initial drying of the specimen as well. The dehydration of crystalline CAH10 takes place in two steps. Firstly, interlaminar water is re‐ leased and subsequent loss of water leads to the collapse of the structure. In the case that water cannot evaporate easily, the thermal decomposition of monocalcium aluminate hy‐ drate leads to the tricalcium aluminate hexahydrate (C3AH6, hydrogarnet) and cubic phase

10 3 6 3 3 CAH C AH + 2 AH + 18 H ® (1)

cement as well (Chapter 7.4).

of gibbsite (AH3):

Therefore, increasing amount of SrAC in CAC increases instantaneous heat released imme‐ diately after mixing with water and also increases the length of induction period and the width of the main hydration effect.

Hexagonal CAH10 hydrate as the main product of hydration was recognized by powder XRD analysis of the product of hydration (Fig.3). Furthermore, the diffraction lines of the rest of unhydrated calcium aluminate (CaAl2O4) and minor constituents of applied AC such as tetragonal gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and calcium titanium iron oxide (Ca3TiFe2O8), appeared.

The scanning electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone (Fig.4) shows the formation of well crystallized hexagonal product of CAH10 (Table 6.1). The hydrates of acicular crystal

<sup>1</sup> Information about the hydration of AC cement can be found in Chapter 5 and 6.

**Figure 2.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the blend of strontium aluminate and calcium aluminate cement.

The types of blended cements covered by this specification are divided as follows [611]:

188 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

The effect of calcium aluminate onto the hydration of strontium aluminate was investigated by the calorimetric experiment (Fig.2) using the blend of both constituents. Isothermal calo‐ rimetric measurement shows that the main hydration effect of calcium aluminate cement1

delayed in time, the peak height decreases while the peak width increases with increasing content of strontium aluminate in the mixture. The effect of fast evolution of heat after mix‐ ing strontium aluminate cement with water (Chapter 5.2) increases with the content of it the sample. After the first 95 hours of hydration the hydration curves of all samples drop down to the baseline, but the cements still produces the heat flow of 0.09 (Secar 51), 0.11 (20:1), 0.09

Therefore, increasing amount of SrAC in CAC increases instantaneous heat released imme‐ diately after mixing with water and also increases the length of induction period and the

Hexagonal CAH10 hydrate as the main product of hydration was recognized by powder XRD analysis of the product of hydration (Fig.3). Furthermore, the diffraction lines of the rest of unhydrated calcium aluminate (CaAl2O4) and minor constituents of applied AC such as tetragonal gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and calcium titanium iron oxide (Ca3TiFe2O8), appeared. The scanning electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone (Fig.4) shows the formation of well crystallized hexagonal product of CAH10 (Table 6.1). The hydrates of acicular crystal

is

Portland blast-furnace slag cement;

Pozzolan-modified Portland cement;

**1.1. Blends of strontium aluminate and aluminate cement**

**Figure 1.** SEM image of microsilica (a), calcined kaolin (b) and blast furnace slag (c).

1 Information about the hydration of AC cement can be found in Chapter 5 and 6.

Slag modified Portland cement.

(10:1), 0,20 (5:1), 0.08 J⋅g-1 (1:1).

width of the main hydration effect.

Portland-pozzolan cement;

Slag cement;

**Figure 3.** X-ray diffraction analysis of cement stone of SrAC and CAC blend in the mass ratio of 10:1.

character composed of radiating mass of slender, needle-like crystals with the hexagonal base were formed. These crystals are the main product of hydration in multicomponent AC cement as well (Chapter 7.4).

Thermal analysis of hydrated sample (Fig.5(a)) shows huge endothermic peak at 120 °C and smaller endothermic peat at 250 °C. The first effect is caused by the loss of molecular water of CAH10. Since much water is bound very weakly, the water loss starts with drying. The peak intensity and its shape are then affected by initial drying of the specimen as well. The dehydration of crystalline CAH10 takes place in two steps. Firstly, interlaminar water is re‐ leased and subsequent loss of water leads to the collapse of the structure. In the case that water cannot evaporate easily, the thermal decomposition of monocalcium aluminate hy‐ drate leads to the tricalcium aluminate hexahydrate (C3AH6, hydrogarnet) and cubic phase of gibbsite (AH3):

$$\text{3 CAH}\_{10} \rightarrow \text{C}\_3\text{AH}\_6 + \text{2 AH}\_3 + 18\text{ H} \tag{1}$$

3 6 12 7 7 C AH C A + 9 CH+ 33 H ® (2)

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 191

2-) around 1410 cm-1 indicates the pres‐

2-) is very weak, but still recogniz‐

The thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide takes place within the temperature range from 350 to 450 °C [613]. As the consequence of gradual dehydration of C12A7 (mayenite con‐ tains 1.3 % of water which corresponds to the formula C12A7H [12,613]), the mass of sample decreases to the temperature of 900 °C. The effect on the right shoulder of DTA and DTG peak that appears near to the temperature of 170 °C indicates the presence of C2AH8 in the

Infrared spectrum of hydrated cement stone is shown in Fig.5(b). In general the strong and broad band observed around 3400–3000 cm-1 corresponds to the OH stretching vibration of adsorbed water and water in formed hydrates. The maximum located at 3505 cm-1 belongs to the hydroxyl stretching vibration of hexagonal CAH10. Water bending mode is placed at

able part of the complex region below 1200 cm-1. These features are located at 878 (CaCO3) and 855 cm-1 (SrCO3). The band at 1008 cm-1 was assigned to the stretching of Al-O bond.

The low-frequency rotational modes of hydroxyl groups (=Al-OH) of C2AH8 (920 and 705 cm-1) and CAH10 (970 and 795 cm-1) confirm the presence the both hydrates in the sample which were implied from the results of thermal analysis. The doublet band, that reaches the maximum at the wavenumber of 570 and 525 cm-1 is placed in the spectral region of charac‐

Calorimetric data for the hydration of blend of strontium aluminate and Portland cement is

**Figure 6.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the first 50 h of hydration of the mixture of strontium aluminate

hydrated sample [483].

shown in Fig.6.

cement with Portland cement.

the wavenumber of about 1650 cm-1. The band **ν**3(CO3

ence of both, calcium and strontium carbonate. The **ν**2(CO3

**1.2. Blends of strontium aluminate and Portland cement**

teristic frequency of the Al-O-Al stretching of AlO6 octahedra [483,614].

**Figure 4.** SEM image of hydrated cement stone of AC and SrA blend in the mass ratio of 10:1.

**Figure 5.** Thermal analysis (a) and infrared spectroscopy (b) of hydrated cement stone.

The second small peak is attributed to the dehydration of AH3, C3AH6 [7,12,269,612] and Sr3AH6 (please see Chapter 6.5). The dehydration of hydrogarnet leads to the mayenite (do‐ deca-calcium heptaaluminate, C12A7) and Ca(OH)2 [613]:

$$7\,\mathrm{C}\_{3}\mathrm{AH}\_{6} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}\_{12}\mathrm{A}\_{7} + 9\,\mathrm{CH} + 33\,\mathrm{H} \tag{2}$$

The thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide takes place within the temperature range from 350 to 450 °C [613]. As the consequence of gradual dehydration of C12A7 (mayenite con‐ tains 1.3 % of water which corresponds to the formula C12A7H [12,613]), the mass of sample decreases to the temperature of 900 °C. The effect on the right shoulder of DTA and DTG peak that appears near to the temperature of 170 °C indicates the presence of C2AH8 in the hydrated sample [483].

Infrared spectrum of hydrated cement stone is shown in Fig.5(b). In general the strong and broad band observed around 3400–3000 cm-1 corresponds to the OH stretching vibration of adsorbed water and water in formed hydrates. The maximum located at 3505 cm-1 belongs to the hydroxyl stretching vibration of hexagonal CAH10. Water bending mode is placed at the wavenumber of about 1650 cm-1. The band **ν**3(CO3 2-) around 1410 cm-1 indicates the pres‐ ence of both, calcium and strontium carbonate. The **ν**2(CO3 2-) is very weak, but still recogniz‐ able part of the complex region below 1200 cm-1. These features are located at 878 (CaCO3) and 855 cm-1 (SrCO3). The band at 1008 cm-1 was assigned to the stretching of Al-O bond.

The low-frequency rotational modes of hydroxyl groups (=Al-OH) of C2AH8 (920 and 705 cm-1) and CAH10 (970 and 795 cm-1) confirm the presence the both hydrates in the sample which were implied from the results of thermal analysis. The doublet band, that reaches the maximum at the wavenumber of 570 and 525 cm-1 is placed in the spectral region of charac‐ teristic frequency of the Al-O-Al stretching of AlO6 octahedra [483,614].

#### **1.2. Blends of strontium aluminate and Portland cement**

The second small peak is attributed to the dehydration of AH3, C3AH6 [7,12,269,612] and Sr3AH6 (please see Chapter 6.5). The dehydration of hydrogarnet leads to the mayenite (do‐

**Figure 4.** SEM image of hydrated cement stone of AC and SrA blend in the mass ratio of 10:1.

190 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

deca-calcium heptaaluminate, C12A7) and Ca(OH)2 [613]:

**Figure 5.** Thermal analysis (a) and infrared spectroscopy (b) of hydrated cement stone.

Calorimetric data for the hydration of blend of strontium aluminate and Portland cement is shown in Fig.6.

**Figure 6.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the first 50 h of hydration of the mixture of strontium aluminate cement with Portland cement.

The heat on hydration decreases with increasing content of Portland cement in the blend. The heat flow released after mixing with water decreases more rapidly for the mixtures with higher content of Portland cement. Moreover, the comparison of calorimetric data measured for pure PC with the results of blended cement shows, that there areno measured features related to the original Portland cement.

**Figure 7.** Influence of PC on hydration heat released by SrAC during the first 48 h of hydration.

The hydration heat released during the first 48 hours of hydration shows the highest value for strontium aluminate clinker which decreases with decreasing content of strontium alu‐ minate clinker according to the exponential law (Fig.7). After the first 48 hour of hydration allcurves already drop down to the baseline, but the cements still produce heat flows of 0.28 (SrAC), 0.28 (3:1), 0.20 (1:1), 0.18 (1:3) and 0.50 mW⋅g-1 (PC). Thus the value of heat flow de‐ creases with the content of Portland cement in the blend.

**Figure 8.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (3:1).

**Figure 9.** X-ray diffraction analysis of the blend of strontium aluminate cement with Portland cement.

Large amount of formed ettringite in the blend with the highest content of Portland cement was also recognized in XRD pattern of hydrated cement stone (Fig.9). It is an interesting fact, that the features of ettringite not only disappear from the diffraction pattern, but are substituted by growing diffraction lines (18.35, 17.43, 15.43, 25.04 and 22.34° on 2Θ scale) of

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 193

Observed decrease of heat released during the hydration of blends with increasing content of the Portland cement should be explained by the layer of hydration product of PC and et‐ tringite formed on the surface of SrAC grains. Higher content of Portland cement also means increasing amount of gypsum in the sample and hence higher amount of ettringite, which can be formed. That often pronounces the possibility to use strontium aluminate ce‐ ment as the expansion or shrinkage compensation additive as is discussed in Chapter 8.

After the calorimetric experiment, the hydration was stopped by the same way as was de‐ scribed in Chapter 8.3 in order to carry out the XRD, TG-DTA and IR analyses of hydrated cement stone.The SEM analysis of cement stone after the first 48 h of hydration shows the effect of Portland cement on the morphology of hydrated cement stone. The most significant features are higher amount of formed ettringite in the blends with higher content of Port‐ land cement, i.e. higher amount of gypsum (Fig.10 and Fig.11), while only rare AFt crystals can be found in SEM images of the sample with only 25 % of Portland cement (Fig.8).

**Figure 8.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (3:1).

The heat on hydration decreases with increasing content of Portland cement in the blend. The heat flow released after mixing with water decreases more rapidly for the mixtures with higher content of Portland cement. Moreover, the comparison of calorimetric data measured for pure PC with the results of blended cement shows, that there areno measured features

192 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

**Figure 7.** Influence of PC on hydration heat released by SrAC during the first 48 h of hydration.

creases with the content of Portland cement in the blend.

The hydration heat released during the first 48 hours of hydration shows the highest value for strontium aluminate clinker which decreases with decreasing content of strontium alu‐ minate clinker according to the exponential law (Fig.7). After the first 48 hour of hydration allcurves already drop down to the baseline, but the cements still produce heat flows of 0.28 (SrAC), 0.28 (3:1), 0.20 (1:1), 0.18 (1:3) and 0.50 mW⋅g-1 (PC). Thus the value of heat flow de‐

Observed decrease of heat released during the hydration of blends with increasing content of the Portland cement should be explained by the layer of hydration product of PC and et‐ tringite formed on the surface of SrAC grains. Higher content of Portland cement also means increasing amount of gypsum in the sample and hence higher amount of ettringite, which can be formed. That often pronounces the possibility to use strontium aluminate ce‐ ment as the expansion or shrinkage compensation additive as is discussed in Chapter 8.

After the calorimetric experiment, the hydration was stopped by the same way as was de‐ scribed in Chapter 8.3 in order to carry out the XRD, TG-DTA and IR analyses of hydrated cement stone.The SEM analysis of cement stone after the first 48 h of hydration shows the effect of Portland cement on the morphology of hydrated cement stone. The most significant features are higher amount of formed ettringite in the blends with higher content of Port‐ land cement, i.e. higher amount of gypsum (Fig.10 and Fig.11), while only rare AFt crystals

can be found in SEM images of the sample with only 25 % of Portland cement (Fig.8).

related to the original Portland cement.

**Figure 9.** X-ray diffraction analysis of the blend of strontium aluminate cement with Portland cement.

Large amount of formed ettringite in the blend with the highest content of Portland cement was also recognized in XRD pattern of hydrated cement stone (Fig.9). It is an interesting fact, that the features of ettringite not only disappear from the diffraction pattern, but are substituted by growing diffraction lines (18.35, 17.43, 15.43, 25.04 and 22.34° on 2Θ scale) of new phase. It could be supposed, that is formed with increasing content of strontium alumi‐ nate cement in the blend.

**Figure 10.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (1:1).

Infrared spectrum of hydrated cement stone shows that the intensity of band related to the stretching of OH groups of tri-strontium aluminate hexahydrate decreases with decreasing content of strontium aluminate clinker in the blend. On the contrary the features of hydra‐ tion products of Portland cement such as the amounts of portlandite, ettringite and CSH gel increase. These results are in agreement with X-ray diffraction analysis (Fig.9), electron mi‐ croscopy (Figs.8-11) as well as thermal analysis (Fig.12).

Increasing intensity of endothermic effect related to the thermal decomposition of hydrogar‐ net (Sr3AH6, please compare with Fig.5(a) in Chapter 5) at 275 °C and decreasing intensity of the first endothermic peak and its shift to lower temperatures are one of the most expressive features of increasing content of hydration products of PC. The blend of strontium alumi‐ nate and Portland cement in the mass ratio of 1:1 shows the highest carbonation as well as portlandite.

The infrared spectrum and thermal analysis show the features of both, calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate. The intensity of DTG peak of calcium (680°C) and strontium car‐ bonate (855 °C) reflects the composition of the blend. The solid state synthesis of strontium aluminate (Eq.43 in Chapter 4) turns the effect on DTA to exothermic, while sole thermal de‐ composition of calcite is naturally the endothermic process.

**Figure 12.** Thermal analysis (a-c) and infrared spectroscopy (d) of hydrated SrA – PC blend.

**Figure 11.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (1:3).

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 195

**Figure 11.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (1:3).

new phase. It could be supposed, that is formed with increasing content of strontium alumi‐

194 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

**Figure 10.** The hydrated cement stone prepared from the mixture of SrAC and PC (1:1).

croscopy (Figs.8-11) as well as thermal analysis (Fig.12).

composition of calcite is naturally the endothermic process.

portlandite.

Infrared spectrum of hydrated cement stone shows that the intensity of band related to the stretching of OH groups of tri-strontium aluminate hexahydrate decreases with decreasing content of strontium aluminate clinker in the blend. On the contrary the features of hydra‐ tion products of Portland cement such as the amounts of portlandite, ettringite and CSH gel increase. These results are in agreement with X-ray diffraction analysis (Fig.9), electron mi‐

Increasing intensity of endothermic effect related to the thermal decomposition of hydrogar‐ net (Sr3AH6, please compare with Fig.5(a) in Chapter 5) at 275 °C and decreasing intensity of the first endothermic peak and its shift to lower temperatures are one of the most expressive features of increasing content of hydration products of PC. The blend of strontium alumi‐ nate and Portland cement in the mass ratio of 1:1 shows the highest carbonation as well as

The infrared spectrum and thermal analysis show the features of both, calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate. The intensity of DTG peak of calcium (680°C) and strontium car‐ bonate (855 °C) reflects the composition of the blend. The solid state synthesis of strontium aluminate (Eq.43 in Chapter 4) turns the effect on DTA to exothermic, while sole thermal de‐

nate cement in the blend.

**Figure 12.** Thermal analysis (a-c) and infrared spectroscopy (d) of hydrated SrA – PC blend.

## **2. Multicomponent cements**

The addition of strontium aluminate cement into calcium aluminate cement increases the time of hydration period and slows-down the rate of heat release (Chapter 7.1.1). It may be useful in order to avoid possible overheating of large constructions caused by setting calci‐ um aluminate cement. The possibility of the preparation of multicomponent cements with admixtures (Fig.1) of pozzolanic materials (microsilica (MS) and metakaolinite (MK)) and la‐ tent hydraulic materials such as blast furnace slag (BS) are discussed in this chapter.

**Figure 13.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) released from the multicomponent cement during the first 128 h of hydration from the blend of CAC and SrC (1:10) with microsilica (MS), metakaolinite (MK) and blast furnace slag (BS).

Isothermal calorimetry performed with the blends of strontium-, calcium aluminate cement containing the materials mentioned above is shown in Fig.13. The main hydration effect of the mixture SrAC and CAC without mineral admixture (NA) started after 50 hours from mixing with water, the heat flow from hydrated sample reached the maximum after 78 hours and was asymptotically falling to the baseline till the 110th hour of hydration. The heat flow from hydrated sample was 0.11 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

The highest heat flow was measured for microsilica. Microsilica also significantly accelerat‐ ed the occurrence of the main hydration effect, which began at 7.5 h after mixing with water. The main hydration effect reached the maximum at the time of 15 h and was falling down to the baseline till the 40th hour of hydration. The heat flow from hydrated sample was 0.04 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

Metakaolinite also increased the heat flow release from the sample and the maximum rate of hydration (64 h). Although the main hydration effect started almost at the same temperature as for the mixture without mineral admixture, it was dropping down to the baseline much faster. Total hydration heat was almost the same for all multicomponent cements (Fig.13 (b)), however, metakaolinite accelerated the hydration of the SrAC-CAC blend. The heat flow from hydrated sample was 0.02 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

**Figure 14.** SEM images of hydrated cement stones consisting of CAC+SrA blend (10:1) with 10 % of microsilica (MS),

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 197

metakaolinite (MK) and blast furnace slag (BS).

**2. Multicomponent cements**

The addition of strontium aluminate cement into calcium aluminate cement increases the time of hydration period and slows-down the rate of heat release (Chapter 7.1.1). It may be useful in order to avoid possible overheating of large constructions caused by setting calci‐ um aluminate cement. The possibility of the preparation of multicomponent cements with admixtures (Fig.1) of pozzolanic materials (microsilica (MS) and metakaolinite (MK)) and la‐

**Figure 13.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) released from the multicomponent cement during the first 128 h of hydration from the blend of CAC and SrC (1:10) with microsilica (MS), metakaolinite (MK) and blast furnace slag (BS).

Isothermal calorimetry performed with the blends of strontium-, calcium aluminate cement containing the materials mentioned above is shown in Fig.13. The main hydration effect of the mixture SrAC and CAC without mineral admixture (NA) started after 50 hours from mixing with water, the heat flow from hydrated sample reached the maximum after 78 hours and was asymptotically falling to the baseline till the 110th hour of hydration. The

The highest heat flow was measured for microsilica. Microsilica also significantly accelerat‐ ed the occurrence of the main hydration effect, which began at 7.5 h after mixing with water. The main hydration effect reached the maximum at the time of 15 h and was falling down to the baseline till the 40th hour of hydration. The heat flow from hydrated sample was 0.04

Metakaolinite also increased the heat flow release from the sample and the maximum rate of hydration (64 h). Although the main hydration effect started almost at the same temperature as for the mixture without mineral admixture, it was dropping down to the baseline much faster. Total hydration heat was almost the same for all multicomponent cements (Fig.13 (b)), however, metakaolinite accelerated the hydration of the SrAC-CAC blend. The heat

heat flow from hydrated sample was 0.11 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

flow from hydrated sample was 0.02 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

tent hydraulic materials such as blast furnace slag (BS) are discussed in this chapter.

196 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

**Figure 14.** SEM images of hydrated cement stones consisting of CAC+SrA blend (10:1) with 10 % of microsilica (MS), metakaolinite (MK) and blast furnace slag (BS).

The main hydration effect of multicomponent cement with blast furnace slag arises 60 hours after mixing with water. The maximum of the heat flow peak was slightly higher, but it was delayed in comparison with the blend without mineral admixture. The peak was dropping to the baseline till the time of 115 hours after mixing with water. The heat flow from hydrat‐ ed sample was of 0.27 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

creases slightly as the Sr content increases. The difference is however relatively small, the

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 199

**Figure 15.** Structure of AlO6 octahedra and dodecahedra according to Prodjosantoso [8].

The formation of two or three new phases from the initial single-phase oxides, suggests that these new phases may be a miscibility gap in the Ca3Al2(O4H4)3-Sr3Al2(O4H4)3 series. Once formed, mixed metal hydroxides seem to be stable and there is no suggestion of Ca2+/

Strontium can also replace calcium in the tetra-calcium aluminoferrite (Ca4Fe2Al2O10, C4AF), which is one of the five major components (~10 %) of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC). The compound is commonly named according to natu‐ rally occurring mineral brownmillerite of similar composition or as ferrite. However, a con‐ tinuous solid solution Ca2AlxFex-1O5 exists, where 0 ≤ ≤ 0.7 and both Al3+and Fe3+cations occupy the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Therefore C4AF is only a point in this series of solid solution for x=0.5. The end member C2A, where x=1, can be prepared only at increased pressures of 2500 MPa. The series x < 0.7 is not quite isostructural, and the space group

Ordered vacancy perovskite-related type materials such as brownmillerites can be ex‐ pressed by a general formula A2B2O5 or A2BB´X5 (Fig.16(a)), where B=transition metal cations with octahedral co-ordination and B´=transition metal cations with tetrahedral coordination. The materials adopting the brownmillerite structure consist of a single B cations or of two different B cations, which are commonly disordered over both octahedral and tetrahedral sites or may be ordered according to the preference of transition metal cations for a particu‐ lar co-ordination environment [619]. The oxygen nonstoichiometry of brownmillerite also

changes with the oxygen partial pressure and the temperature [618,620-622].

distance increases from 1.910 to 1.945 Å [8].

Sr2+ions exchange [8,416,615].

changes from to near to x > 0.33 [7,12,616-618].

The effect of mineral admixture on the hydration of multicomponent cements should be ex‐ pressed as follows:


Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stones shows the formation of CSH10, the shape of which is well developed in the sample containing blast furnace slag (BS) and in the blend of calcium-and strontium aluminate cement without mineral admixture (NA).

## **3. Effect of substitutions on the properties of strontium aluminate cements**

The ionic substitutions in the structure of strontium aluminate as the main hydraulic phase of SrAC can induce some modifications in the structure, reactions and properties. As was mentioned in Chapter 1, Sr can partially replace Ca in numerous metal oxides. Therefore, it is often possible to synthesize single-phase mixed oxides, which change the reactivity with water and the setting behaviour of clinker phases or can be used for the preparation of mul‐ ticomponent cements (described in Chapter 7.2).

There is a complex distribution of Ca and Sr over available sites in Ca3xSrxAl2O6 (where 0 ≤ *x*≤ 3), but this distribution is not present in hydrated materials where only single Ca/Sr site exists. Therefore, the reaction proceeds by the dissolution of oxide and by the precipitation of corresponding hydroxide at crucial concentration. Since the solubilities of Ca and Sr com‐ pounds are likely to be different (in general Ca salts are more soluble), the precipitation of Sr hydroxide will commence prior to that of Ca hydroxide. In the other words, the hydration reaction is not a topotactic reaction. Alternatively, since Ca and Sr occupy different positions in the Ca3xSrxAl2O6 lattice, it is possible that the reaction at Sr-rich phase is favored, preferen‐ tially leaching this phase into the solution and favoring the precipitation of Sr-rich hydrox‐ ide [8,615].

The investigation of deuterated samples shows that the hydration of mixed calcium-stronti‐ um aluminates of the Ca3xSrxAl2O6 type produces a mixture of isostructural (space group of) cubic hydrogarnet phases. The hydrogarnet structure consists of four asymmetric units with the disordered Ca/Sr cations occupying one site within a distorted cube. These cations are displaced so that there are four short and four somewhat longer M-O distances. Al has ap‐ proximately octahedral environment. In general, the Al-O distance (and the lattice size) in‐ creases slightly as the Sr content increases. The difference is however relatively small, the distance increases from 1.910 to 1.945 Å [8].

The main hydration effect of multicomponent cement with blast furnace slag arises 60 hours after mixing with water. The maximum of the heat flow peak was slightly higher, but it was delayed in comparison with the blend without mineral admixture. The peak was dropping to the baseline till the time of 115 hours after mixing with water. The heat flow from hydrat‐

198 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

The effect of mineral admixture on the hydration of multicomponent cements should be ex‐

Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stones shows the formation of CSH10, the shape of which is well developed in the sample containing blast furnace slag (BS) and in the blend of

The ionic substitutions in the structure of strontium aluminate as the main hydraulic phase of SrAC can induce some modifications in the structure, reactions and properties. As was mentioned in Chapter 1, Sr can partially replace Ca in numerous metal oxides. Therefore, it is often possible to synthesize single-phase mixed oxides, which change the reactivity with water and the setting behaviour of clinker phases or can be used for the preparation of mul‐

There is a complex distribution of Ca and Sr over available sites in Ca3xSrxAl2O6 (where 0 ≤ *x*≤ 3), but this distribution is not present in hydrated materials where only single Ca/Sr site exists. Therefore, the reaction proceeds by the dissolution of oxide and by the precipitation of corresponding hydroxide at crucial concentration. Since the solubilities of Ca and Sr com‐ pounds are likely to be different (in general Ca salts are more soluble), the precipitation of Sr hydroxide will commence prior to that of Ca hydroxide. In the other words, the hydration reaction is not a topotactic reaction. Alternatively, since Ca and Sr occupy different positions in the Ca3xSrxAl2O6 lattice, it is possible that the reaction at Sr-rich phase is favored, preferen‐ tially leaching this phase into the solution and favoring the precipitation of Sr-rich hydrox‐

The investigation of deuterated samples shows that the hydration of mixed calcium-stronti‐ um aluminates of the Ca3xSrxAl2O6 type produces a mixture of isostructural (space group of) cubic hydrogarnet phases. The hydrogarnet structure consists of four asymmetric units with the disordered Ca/Sr cations occupying one site within a distorted cube. These cations are displaced so that there are four short and four somewhat longer M-O distances. Al has ap‐ proximately octahedral environment. In general, the Al-O distance (and the lattice size) in‐

calcium-and strontium aluminate cement without mineral admixture (NA).

**3. Effect of substitutions on the properties of strontium aluminate**

ed sample was of 0.27 mW g-1 after the 115th hour of hydration.

**•** Heat flow peak height: MS >> MK >> BS > NA.

ticomponent cements (described in Chapter 7.2).

**•** Length of induction period: BS > NA > MK >> MS.

pressed as follows:

**cements**

ide [8,615].

**Figure 15.** Structure of AlO6 octahedra and dodecahedra according to Prodjosantoso [8].

The formation of two or three new phases from the initial single-phase oxides, suggests that these new phases may be a miscibility gap in the Ca3Al2(O4H4)3-Sr3Al2(O4H4)3 series. Once formed, mixed metal hydroxides seem to be stable and there is no suggestion of Ca2+/ Sr2+ions exchange [8,416,615].

Strontium can also replace calcium in the tetra-calcium aluminoferrite (Ca4Fe2Al2O10, C4AF), which is one of the five major components (~10 %) of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC). The compound is commonly named according to natu‐ rally occurring mineral brownmillerite of similar composition or as ferrite. However, a con‐ tinuous solid solution Ca2AlxFex-1O5 exists, where 0 ≤ ≤ 0.7 and both Al3+and Fe3+cations occupy the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Therefore C4AF is only a point in this series of solid solution for x=0.5. The end member C2A, where x=1, can be prepared only at increased pressures of 2500 MPa. The series x < 0.7 is not quite isostructural, and the space group changes from to near to x > 0.33 [7,12,616-618].

Ordered vacancy perovskite-related type materials such as brownmillerites can be ex‐ pressed by a general formula A2B2O5 or A2BB´X5 (Fig.16(a)), where B=transition metal cations with octahedral co-ordination and B´=transition metal cations with tetrahedral coordination. The materials adopting the brownmillerite structure consist of a single B cations or of two different B cations, which are commonly disordered over both octahedral and tetrahedral sites or may be ordered according to the preference of transition metal cations for a particu‐ lar co-ordination environment [619]. The oxygen nonstoichiometry of brownmillerite also changes with the oxygen partial pressure and the temperature [618,620-622].

**Figure 16.** The conventional chain-ordered Ibm2 structure (a) and the Pbma supercell (b) of Sr2Fe2O5 [622].

The brownmillerite structure can be explained by removing ½ of the oxygen atoms from the layer of the cubic perovskite-type structure, consisting of octahedra, creating vacancies along the [110] direction. Corner-sharing BO6 octahedra alternates with layers of B´O4 tetra‐ hedra arranged in chains parallel to (100) direction. The crystal structure can be described as a sequence of B´–BB´–B–B´–B parallel to (010) direction. Cations A are required for the charge compensation and they occupy voids between BO6-and B´O4-polyhedra. Cations A are coordinated by 8 oxygen neighbours forming a distorted bicapped trigonal prism. The presence of 'channels' of oxygen vacancies between these chains allows some brownmiller‐ ites and their derivatives to display ionic conductivities comparable to the stabilized zirco‐ nia systems [618,622,623].

and right-handed tetrahedral chains. Therefore, the model conventionally used to describe

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 201

Transition brownmillerite phases Ca1-xSrxFe2.5+δ where 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 are studied predominant‐ ly due to their promising applications in electrochemical devices at high temperature such as ceramic membranes for oxygen separation, electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), electro- and photocatalysts, battery electrodes and sensor materials, etc. [620,622,628,629,630]. The transition brownmillerite phases with the composition of La1 xSrxCo0.8Fe0.2O3-δ can be prepared under low partial pressures of oxygen, where the value of >

The LaACuGaO5, where A=Ca, Sr, brownmillerite system consists of alternating layers of corner-sharing CuO6 octahedra and GaO4 tetrahedra stacked along the long axis, with La and A cations statistically occupying the 10-fold cavities within the structure [619,631,632]. Anion-vacancy ordered 'triple layer' structure, related to the brownmillerite structure by the

Mn-containing brownmillerites (A2MnBO5+δ, where A=Ca, Sr and B=Ga, Al) may be perspec‐ tive compounds as low-field CMR materials. The system Sr2MnGaO5+δ (Fig.18) consists of al‐ ternating MnO2 and GaO1+δ layers (–MnO2–AO–GaO–AO–MnO2–AO–GaO–MnO2–)

Perovskite oxide with the general formula of ABO3 is a kind of frequently encountered structure in inorganic chemistry. Its cubic crystal structure is composed of a three-dimen‐ sional framework of corner-sharing BO6 octahedra. SrFeOx (SFO), where 2.5 ≤ *x* ≤ 3.0, were extensively studied as ferromagnet and antiferromagnet and due to their photocatalytic ac‐

Brownmillerite-and perovskite-type compounds exhibit also some serious disadvantages in‐ cluding the thermodynamic instability under large oxygen chemical potential gradients,

insertion of an additional layer of octahedra has the composition LaCa2Fe2GaO8 [633].

the local chain order of Sr2Fe2O5 is incorrect [622].

**Figure 17.** Cooperative twist yields to left or right-handed chains [624].

0.7 [629].

[619,634-638].

tivity [620,639-641].

The displacement of tetrahedral B and O ions from their ideal positions upon the formation of brownmillerite from the parent perovskite gives rise to two opposite orientations for the tetrahedral chains, which can be assigned 'left' (L) and 'right' (R) [621,624].

The symmetry of brownmillerite is thus determined by the distribution of L-and R-chains in the structure, with three commonly recognized configurations [622]:


The brownmillerite structure type of mixed ionic/electronic conductor Sr2Fe2O5 has been well-established since 1970s [625]. Although the diffraction studies of Sr2Fe2O5 have clearly established a body-centered unit cell, the assignment of either the Icmm or models to de‐ scribe the tetrahedral chain arrangement has varied among experiments [626]. Electron dif‐ fraction (ED) images revealed the evidence for short-range Sr2Fe2O5 superstructures defined by complex ordering patterns of L and R chains (Fig.17) both within and between the tetra‐ hedral layers [627]. Single crystal neutron diffraction revealed a supercell (Fig.16(b)) with a doubled axis (space group), compared to the conventional model containing disordered left-

**Figure 17.** Cooperative twist yields to left or right-handed chains [624].

**Figure 16.** The conventional chain-ordered Ibm2 structure (a) and the Pbma supercell (b) of Sr2Fe2O5 [622].

200 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

nia systems [618,622,623].

**ii.** Complete L/R disorder (Icmm);

The brownmillerite structure can be explained by removing ½ of the oxygen atoms from the layer of the cubic perovskite-type structure, consisting of octahedra, creating vacancies along the [110] direction. Corner-sharing BO6 octahedra alternates with layers of B´O4 tetra‐ hedra arranged in chains parallel to (100) direction. The crystal structure can be described as a sequence of B´–BB´–B–B´–B parallel to (010) direction. Cations A are required for the charge compensation and they occupy voids between BO6-and B´O4-polyhedra. Cations A are coordinated by 8 oxygen neighbours forming a distorted bicapped trigonal prism. The presence of 'channels' of oxygen vacancies between these chains allows some brownmiller‐ ites and their derivatives to display ionic conductivities comparable to the stabilized zirco‐

The displacement of tetrahedral B and O ions from their ideal positions upon the formation of brownmillerite from the parent perovskite gives rise to two opposite orientations for the

The symmetry of brownmillerite is thus determined by the distribution of L-and R-chains in

The brownmillerite structure type of mixed ionic/electronic conductor Sr2Fe2O5 has been well-established since 1970s [625]. Although the diffraction studies of Sr2Fe2O5 have clearly established a body-centered unit cell, the assignment of either the Icmm or models to de‐ scribe the tetrahedral chain arrangement has varied among experiments [626]. Electron dif‐ fraction (ED) images revealed the evidence for short-range Sr2Fe2O5 superstructures defined by complex ordering patterns of L and R chains (Fig.17) both within and between the tetra‐ hedral layers [627]. Single crystal neutron diffraction revealed a supercell (Fig.16(b)) with a doubled axis (space group), compared to the conventional model containing disordered left-

tetrahedral chains, which can be assigned 'left' (L) and 'right' (R) [621,624].

the structure, with three commonly recognized configurations [622]: **i.** Pure L (or R), resulting in the *Ibm2* space group (Fig.16(a));

**iii.** Strict alternation of L and R layers along b direction (Pcmn).

and right-handed tetrahedral chains. Therefore, the model conventionally used to describe the local chain order of Sr2Fe2O5 is incorrect [622].

Transition brownmillerite phases Ca1-xSrxFe2.5+δ where 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 are studied predominant‐ ly due to their promising applications in electrochemical devices at high temperature such as ceramic membranes for oxygen separation, electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), electro- and photocatalysts, battery electrodes and sensor materials, etc. [620,622,628,629,630]. The transition brownmillerite phases with the composition of La1 xSrxCo0.8Fe0.2O3-δ can be prepared under low partial pressures of oxygen, where the value of > 0.7 [629].

The LaACuGaO5, where A=Ca, Sr, brownmillerite system consists of alternating layers of corner-sharing CuO6 octahedra and GaO4 tetrahedra stacked along the long axis, with La and A cations statistically occupying the 10-fold cavities within the structure [619,631,632]. Anion-vacancy ordered 'triple layer' structure, related to the brownmillerite structure by the insertion of an additional layer of octahedra has the composition LaCa2Fe2GaO8 [633].

Mn-containing brownmillerites (A2MnBO5+δ, where A=Ca, Sr and B=Ga, Al) may be perspec‐ tive compounds as low-field CMR materials. The system Sr2MnGaO5+δ (Fig.18) consists of al‐ ternating MnO2 and GaO1+δ layers (–MnO2–AO–GaO–AO–MnO2–AO–GaO–MnO2–) [619,634-638].

Perovskite oxide with the general formula of ABO3 is a kind of frequently encountered structure in inorganic chemistry. Its cubic crystal structure is composed of a three-dimen‐ sional framework of corner-sharing BO6 octahedra. SrFeOx (SFO), where 2.5 ≤ *x* ≤ 3.0, were extensively studied as ferromagnet and antiferromagnet and due to their photocatalytic ac‐ tivity [620,639-641].

Brownmillerite-and perovskite-type compounds exhibit also some serious disadvantages in‐ cluding the thermodynamic instability under large oxygen chemical potential gradients,

tem. With regard to the positive influence of chromia (Cr2O3) on the sintration as well as physical and refractory properties of Al2O3 ceramics [652-656], the effect of substitution of alumina by chromia in the strontium aluminate cement was investigated.Cr-doped struc‐

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 203

Cr2O3 is not stable and changes to CrO3 in an atmosphere in which the oxygen partial pres‐ sure is relatively high such as air. CrO3 exhibits high vapor pressure, so it is difficult to ob‐ tain a dense sintered body of Cr2O3 in an air atmosphere. In order to obtain a dense sintered body of Cr2O3, the sintering should be performed in an atmosphere with low oxygen partial

tures have been widely studied as ceramic pigments [649] and catalyzers [657-659].

pressure in which Cr2O3 remains stable [653].

**Figure 19.** Thermal analysis of clinker prepared with 5 % (a) and 10 % Cr2O3 (b).

3 An immiscibility gap is present below 950°C, where two crystalline phases exist (alumina-rich and chromia-rich solid solutions), but the actual decomposition of homogeneous solid solution into two phases proceeds very slowly [651].

**Figure 18.** Crystal structure of Sr2MnGaO5 brownmillerites with Ibm2 (a) and Pnma (b) space symmetry. Cations are drawn as spheres [638].

poor thermomechanical properties associated with very high chemical and thermal expan‐ sion and the reactivity with CO2 [642].The relation between the orthorhombic brownmiller‐ ite and the cubic perovskite-type structure is given as: *a* ~ √*a*per, *b* ~ 4*a*per, *c* ~ √*a*per, where *a*per is the cell dimension of the cubic perovskite [618].

The protonic conduction was discovered for the brownmillerite-type Ba2In2O5 in 1995 by Zhang and Smyth [643] that is related to the formation of Ba2In2O5 H2O hydrate in a humidi‐ fied atmosphere. Protons bound to oxygen in hydrate cross-links between oxygen [644-646]. In order to improve the proton conductivity it is necessary to stabilize the hydrate com‐ pound at high temperature (573 K). The dehydration temperature increases∼50 K due to the substitution of In by Sc, Lu and Y. Since the substitution of In by M3+was not possible for *x* > 0.3 in Ba2(In1-xMx 3+)2O5 H2O, further increase in the thermal stability of the hydrate com‐ pound by the substitution of In cannot be expected. Tetragonal Ba2Sc2O5 and cubic BaScO3-δ also form hydrates Ba2Sc2O5⋅0.60H2O and BaScO3-δ⋅0.37H2O, but the dehydration tempera‐ tures are even lower than that for Ba2In2O5 [647,648].

#### **3.1. Substitution of Al2O3 by Cr2O3**

Cr2O3 and Al2O3 are sesquioxides having the same corundum crystal structure, which is ap‐ proximately hexagonal, involving close-packed oxide ions with Cr3+and Al3+ions occupying two thirds of available octahedral sites [649,650]. The solid solution ((Al1-xCrx)2O3) obeying **Vegard's law**<sup>2</sup> [651] is formed over the entire range of compositions3 in Al2O3 – Cr2O3 sys‐

<sup>2</sup> Empirical rule that enables to calculate the crystal lattice parameter of solid solution or alloy from the concentration of constituents.

tem. With regard to the positive influence of chromia (Cr2O3) on the sintration as well as physical and refractory properties of Al2O3 ceramics [652-656], the effect of substitution of alumina by chromia in the strontium aluminate cement was investigated.Cr-doped struc‐ tures have been widely studied as ceramic pigments [649] and catalyzers [657-659].

Cr2O3 is not stable and changes to CrO3 in an atmosphere in which the oxygen partial pres‐ sure is relatively high such as air. CrO3 exhibits high vapor pressure, so it is difficult to ob‐ tain a dense sintered body of Cr2O3 in an air atmosphere. In order to obtain a dense sintered body of Cr2O3, the sintering should be performed in an atmosphere with low oxygen partial pressure in which Cr2O3 remains stable [653].

**Figure 19.** Thermal analysis of clinker prepared with 5 % (a) and 10 % Cr2O3 (b).

poor thermomechanical properties associated with very high chemical and thermal expan‐ sion and the reactivity with CO2 [642].The relation between the orthorhombic brownmiller‐ ite and the cubic perovskite-type structure is given as: *a* ~ √*a*per, *b* ~ 4*a*per, *c* ~ √*a*per, where *a*per is

**Figure 18.** Crystal structure of Sr2MnGaO5 brownmillerites with Ibm2 (a) and Pnma (b) space symmetry. Cations are

202 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

The protonic conduction was discovered for the brownmillerite-type Ba2In2O5 in 1995 by Zhang and Smyth [643] that is related to the formation of Ba2In2O5 H2O hydrate in a humidi‐ fied atmosphere. Protons bound to oxygen in hydrate cross-links between oxygen [644-646]. In order to improve the proton conductivity it is necessary to stabilize the hydrate com‐ pound at high temperature (573 K). The dehydration temperature increases∼50 K due to the substitution of In by Sc, Lu and Y. Since the substitution of In by M3+was not possible for *x* >

pound by the substitution of In cannot be expected. Tetragonal Ba2Sc2O5 and cubic BaScO3-δ also form hydrates Ba2Sc2O5⋅0.60H2O and BaScO3-δ⋅0.37H2O, but the dehydration tempera‐

Cr2O3 and Al2O3 are sesquioxides having the same corundum crystal structure, which is ap‐ proximately hexagonal, involving close-packed oxide ions with Cr3+and Al3+ions occupying two thirds of available octahedral sites [649,650]. The solid solution ((Al1-xCrx)2O3) obeying

2 Empirical rule that enables to calculate the crystal lattice parameter of solid solution or alloy from the concentration

[651] is formed over the entire range of compositions3

3+)2O5 H2O, further increase in the thermal stability of the hydrate com‐

in Al2O3 – Cr2O3 sys‐

the cell dimension of the cubic perovskite [618].

tures are even lower than that for Ba2In2O5 [647,648].

**3.1. Substitution of Al2O3 by Cr2O3**

0.3 in Ba2(In1-xMx

drawn as spheres [638].

**Vegard's law**<sup>2</sup>

of constituents.

<sup>3</sup> An immiscibility gap is present below 950°C, where two crystalline phases exist (alumina-rich and chromia-rich solid solutions), but the actual decomposition of homogeneous solid solution into two phases proceeds very slowly [651].

The toxicity and the transport behaviour of Cr depend strongly on its valence. The most sta‐ ble oxidation states in the environment are hexavalent and trivalent. Cr(VI) exists primarily in the form of HCrO4 - (bichromate) and CrO4 2-(chromate), which are strong oxidants and can cause kidney tubule necrosis and, by inhalation, lung cancer. Cr(VI) compounds are typical‐ ly soluble in groundwater, and thus mobile and bioaccessible. Where the intermediates to low redox potentials exist, Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) which usually forms insoluble oxides and oxyhydroxides being less bioaccessible [660].

The addition of Cr2O3 in to the raw meal leads to the formation of tetragonal strontium ox‐ ide chromate (3SrO⋅3Al2O3⋅SrCrO4) [662] and strontium hexaaluminate causing the detri‐ ment of strontium aluminate as the main clinker phase (Fig.21). This endothermic process

> 3 23 23 2 23 4 2

That behaviour also enables to explain the missing effect related to the formation of stronti‐ um aluminate, which is formed at higher temperature probably via the diffusion of Al3+ions through Cr2O3-Al2O3 layer of formed solid solution. The opposite model, in which the spinel layer would be formed on Cr2O3 particles cannot explain the suppression of the formation of

3SrO⋅3Al2O3⋅SrCrO4 is a pigment with hexavalent chromium and provides prepared clinker with yellow-greenish color. Since the transformation temperatures and the temperatures of endothermic effect are the same for both samples, increasing content of Cr2O3 seems to have no influence on the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate (after the formation of layer on the surface of SrCO3 grains the increasing abundance of Cr2O3 doesn't have any effect).

The raw meal was treated to the temperature of 1500 °C under static air and ground after cooling. Scanning electron microscopy of ground clinker shows the formation of globular aggregates of rounded particles with the surface showing intersections of spherical shapes, which are better developed in the sample prepared with 10 % of Cr2O3 (Fig.20). Ground par‐

The diffraction lines of strontium oxide chromate ground clinker prepared with 10 % of chromia reaches even higher intensity than strontium aluminate. The amount of formed

ticles show brittle fracture through the glassy-like phase of clinker particles.

® (3)

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 205

8 SrCO + 6 Al O + Cr O + 3 / 2 O (g) 2 (3SrO× 3Al O × SrCrO ) + 8 CO (g)

The lack of SrO supports the formation of strontium hexaaluminate.

strontium aluminate revealed from the TG-DTA experiment.

**Figure 21.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker doped by chromia.

should be described by the following reaction:

Thermal analysis of raw materials with the substitution of 5 and 10 % Al2O3 by Cr2O3 (Fig. 19) shows increased intensity and peak temperature (from 735 to 785 °C) of endothermic process, which is probably related to the formation of chromia spinel phase. To compare with raw material without chromia (Fig.23 in Chapter 4), there is sharp transformation effect of *α*-SrCO3 to *β*-SrCO3 (please compare with Fig.12 in Chapter 4). It is possible to use the thermolysis of mixed alums in order to prepare mesoporous chromia-alumina [661] as pure and high reactive precursor for the synthesis. That may lead to the assumption that the ad‐ dition of Cr2O3 into the raw meal suppresses the decomposition of strontium carbonate and leads to less reactive clinker containing the sintering additive (similarly to the effect descri‐ bed in Chapter 6.1.4).

**Figure 20.** Scanning electron microscopy of clinker prepared with 5 % (a) and 10 % Cr2O3 (b).

The addition of Cr2O3 in to the raw meal leads to the formation of tetragonal strontium ox‐ ide chromate (3SrO⋅3Al2O3⋅SrCrO4) [662] and strontium hexaaluminate causing the detri‐ ment of strontium aluminate as the main clinker phase (Fig.21). This endothermic process should be described by the following reaction:

$$\begin{aligned} &8\,\text{SrCO}\_3 + 6\,\text{Al}\_2\text{O}\_3 + \text{Cr}\_2\text{O}\_3 + 3/2\,\text{O}\_2(\text{g}) \to \\ &2\,\text{(3SrO} \times 3\,\text{Al}\_2\text{O}\_3 \times \text{SrCrO}\_4) + 8\,\text{CO}\_2(\text{g}) \end{aligned} \tag{3}$$

The lack of SrO supports the formation of strontium hexaaluminate.

The toxicity and the transport behaviour of Cr depend strongly on its valence. The most sta‐ ble oxidation states in the environment are hexavalent and trivalent. Cr(VI) exists primarily

204 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

cause kidney tubule necrosis and, by inhalation, lung cancer. Cr(VI) compounds are typical‐ ly soluble in groundwater, and thus mobile and bioaccessible. Where the intermediates to low redox potentials exist, Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) which usually forms insoluble

Thermal analysis of raw materials with the substitution of 5 and 10 % Al2O3 by Cr2O3 (Fig. 19) shows increased intensity and peak temperature (from 735 to 785 °C) of endothermic process, which is probably related to the formation of chromia spinel phase. To compare with raw material without chromia (Fig.23 in Chapter 4), there is sharp transformation effect of *α*-SrCO3 to *β*-SrCO3 (please compare with Fig.12 in Chapter 4). It is possible to use the thermolysis of mixed alums in order to prepare mesoporous chromia-alumina [661] as pure and high reactive precursor for the synthesis. That may lead to the assumption that the ad‐ dition of Cr2O3 into the raw meal suppresses the decomposition of strontium carbonate and leads to less reactive clinker containing the sintering additive (similarly to the effect descri‐

2-(chromate), which are strong oxidants and can

in the form of HCrO4

bed in Chapter 6.1.4).


(bichromate) and CrO4

**Figure 20.** Scanning electron microscopy of clinker prepared with 5 % (a) and 10 % Cr2O3 (b).

oxides and oxyhydroxides being less bioaccessible [660].

That behaviour also enables to explain the missing effect related to the formation of stronti‐ um aluminate, which is formed at higher temperature probably via the diffusion of Al3+ions through Cr2O3-Al2O3 layer of formed solid solution. The opposite model, in which the spinel layer would be formed on Cr2O3 particles cannot explain the suppression of the formation of strontium aluminate revealed from the TG-DTA experiment.

3SrO⋅3Al2O3⋅SrCrO4 is a pigment with hexavalent chromium and provides prepared clinker with yellow-greenish color. Since the transformation temperatures and the temperatures of endothermic effect are the same for both samples, increasing content of Cr2O3 seems to have no influence on the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate (after the formation of layer on the surface of SrCO3 grains the increasing abundance of Cr2O3 doesn't have any effect).

**Figure 21.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker doped by chromia.

The raw meal was treated to the temperature of 1500 °C under static air and ground after cooling. Scanning electron microscopy of ground clinker shows the formation of globular aggregates of rounded particles with the surface showing intersections of spherical shapes, which are better developed in the sample prepared with 10 % of Cr2O3 (Fig.20). Ground par‐ ticles show brittle fracture through the glassy-like phase of clinker particles.

The diffraction lines of strontium oxide chromate ground clinker prepared with 10 % of chromia reaches even higher intensity than strontium aluminate. The amount of formed SrA6 phase seems to be decreasing with increasing content of Cr2O3 in the raw meal. Consid‐ erable amount of formed phases without hydraulic activity leads to the conclusion that the raw meal containing chromia should be prepared in slightly reducing atmosphere.

**Figure 22.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the samples doped with chromia.

minium oxide chromate has no hydraulic activity. X-ray diffraction analysis of hydrated ce‐ ment stone supports the conclusion that strontium oxide chromate does not show significant hydraulic activity, if any. The main product of hydration remains tri-strontium aluminate hexahydrate as for the clinker prepared without chromia and the intensity of diffraction

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 207

**Figure 24.** SEM images of hydrated cement stone for the sample prepared with 5% of Cr2O3.

Electron microscopy shows that the morphology of hydration product is different from strontium aluminate cement without the addition of Cr2O3 into the raw meal (Fig.6 in Chap‐ ter 5). Moreover, the external appearance of hydrates changes with the amount of added chromia. Long columnar crystals, typical for the sample prepared with 5 % of Cr2O3 (Fig.24) are not present in the hydrated cement stone prepared from ground clinker with 10 % Cr2O3 (Fig.25). With increasing content of Cr2O3 the size of spheres was also significantly reduced.

Strontium aluminate cements with the substitution of 5 % of Al2O3 by Fe2O3, B2O3, Y2O3, V2O5, ZrO2, MnO2 and ZnO were prepared in order to evaluate the influence of these com‐ pounds on the behaviour during hydration. The samples were pelletized and thermally

lines of strontium oxide chromate is not changed.

**3.2. Substitution of Al2O3 by Fe2O3, B2O3 and Y2O3**

**Figure 23.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker after hydration.

The influence of the substitution of Al2O3 by Cr2O3 on the properties of strontium aluminate cement was investigated by isothermal calorimetric measurement of hydration at 25 °C (Fig.22).

The results show that the introduction of Cr2O3 into the structure of SrA significantly re‐ duces the hydraulic activity and leads to the appearance of induction period. That behav‐ iour is probably caused by the formation of chromium spinel (please see Chapter 10.12).

This behaviour results from decreasing content of strontium aluminate in the clinker with increased amount of added chromia. That means that newly formed phase of strontium alu‐

**Figure 24.** SEM images of hydrated cement stone for the sample prepared with 5% of Cr2O3.

minium oxide chromate has no hydraulic activity. X-ray diffraction analysis of hydrated ce‐ ment stone supports the conclusion that strontium oxide chromate does not show significant hydraulic activity, if any. The main product of hydration remains tri-strontium aluminate hexahydrate as for the clinker prepared without chromia and the intensity of diffraction lines of strontium oxide chromate is not changed.

Electron microscopy shows that the morphology of hydration product is different from strontium aluminate cement without the addition of Cr2O3 into the raw meal (Fig.6 in Chap‐ ter 5). Moreover, the external appearance of hydrates changes with the amount of added chromia. Long columnar crystals, typical for the sample prepared with 5 % of Cr2O3 (Fig.24) are not present in the hydrated cement stone prepared from ground clinker with 10 % Cr2O3 (Fig.25). With increasing content of Cr2O3 the size of spheres was also significantly reduced.

#### **3.2. Substitution of Al2O3 by Fe2O3, B2O3 and Y2O3**

SrA6 phase seems to be decreasing with increasing content of Cr2O3 in the raw meal. Consid‐ erable amount of formed phases without hydraulic activity leads to the conclusion that the

raw meal containing chromia should be prepared in slightly reducing atmosphere.

206 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

**Figure 22.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the samples doped with chromia.

**Figure 23.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker after hydration.

The influence of the substitution of Al2O3 by Cr2O3 on the properties of strontium aluminate cement was investigated by isothermal calorimetric measurement of hydration at 25 °C (Fig.22).

The results show that the introduction of Cr2O3 into the structure of SrA significantly re‐ duces the hydraulic activity and leads to the appearance of induction period. That behav‐ iour is probably caused by the formation of chromium spinel (please see Chapter 10.12).

This behaviour results from decreasing content of strontium aluminate in the clinker with increased amount of added chromia. That means that newly formed phase of strontium alu‐ Strontium aluminate cements with the substitution of 5 % of Al2O3 by Fe2O3, B2O3, Y2O3, V2O5, ZrO2, MnO2 and ZnO were prepared in order to evaluate the influence of these com‐ pounds on the behaviour during hydration. The samples were pelletized and thermally

All investigated samples show almost the same mass loss of 8 %. The major part of mass loss is caused by the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate that takes place within the

**g(α) = kt Abr. [kJ⋅mol-1] [s-1]**

<sup>3</sup> A3 0.9925 583.06 3.04·1023

<sup>3</sup> A3 0.9911 664.46 7.07·1026

2/3 F1/3 0.9977 169.61 8.13·103

<sup>3</sup> A3 0.9922 613.93 3.74·1024

There is a significant difference compared to the sample prepared with the addition of chromia (Chapter 7.3.1) since the intensive exothermic peak related to the synthesis of strontium aluminate arises for all samples. On the contrary, this peak is smaller for the sample prepared

The model fitting method (Chapter 1.6.1) applied to the TG results provides the kinetic data listed in Table 1. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate is changed by the presence of dopants (please consult with the results in Chapter 4.2). It can be seen that Fe, V, Y, Zr and Mn have similar effect on the mechanism (random nucleation) and kinetics of thermal decomposition of SrCO3. The addition of B2O3 changes the mechanism to the nonsteady state 3D diffusion and MnO2 leads to the process driven by the rate of chemical reaction

The admixtures lead to the decreasing intensity of strontium aluminate diffractions (Fig. 27(a)) in the clinker after the thermal treatment. Based on this effect, they can be ordered as

The shift of the most intensive diffraction lines of SrAl2O4([-211], [220] and [211], Fig.27) for the samples prepared with ZnO and Fe2O3 indicate the substitution of Zn2+↔ Sr2+and Fe3+↔ Al3+, respectively. While, the clinker prepared with ZnO shows well developed SrAH6 crys‐ tals in hydrated cement stone (Fig.29), the clinker doped with Fe2O3 exhibits the highest heat

2/3 D4 0.9996 379.56 3.79·1012

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 209

**Dopant element Mechanism** *R2 Ea A*

Y A3 0.9941 613.93 1.54·1024 Zr A3 0.9976 611.70 5.28·1024

**Table 1.** Influence of dopants on the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate.

temperature range from 700 to 1 000 °C.

Fe -ln (1-α)

V -ln (1-α)

Mn 1-(1-α)

Zn -ln (1-α)

with B2O3.

of one-third order.

*B*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*ZnO* >*MnO*<sup>2</sup> >*ZrO*<sup>2</sup> > *F e*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*Y*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*V*2*O*5.

released upon hydration (Fig.28).

follows:

B 1-(2α/3)-(1-α)

**Figure 25.** SEM images of hydrated cement stone for the sample prepared with 10 % of Cr2O3.

treated to the temperature of 1500 °C (1 hour). The thermal analysis of raw materials upon thermal treatment is shown in Fig.26.

**Figure 26.** Thermal analysis of raw meals heated at the rate of 10 °C min-1: DTA (a) and TG (b).

All investigated samples show almost the same mass loss of 8 %. The major part of mass loss is caused by the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate that takes place within the temperature range from 700 to 1 000 °C.


**Table 1.** Influence of dopants on the thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate.

There is a significant difference compared to the sample prepared with the addition of chromia (Chapter 7.3.1) since the intensive exothermic peak related to the synthesis of strontium aluminate arises for all samples. On the contrary, this peak is smaller for the sample prepared with B2O3.

The model fitting method (Chapter 1.6.1) applied to the TG results provides the kinetic data listed in Table 1. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of strontium carbonate is changed by the presence of dopants (please consult with the results in Chapter 4.2). It can be seen that Fe, V, Y, Zr and Mn have similar effect on the mechanism (random nucleation) and kinetics of thermal decomposition of SrCO3. The addition of B2O3 changes the mechanism to the nonsteady state 3D diffusion and MnO2 leads to the process driven by the rate of chemical reaction of one-third order.

The admixtures lead to the decreasing intensity of strontium aluminate diffractions (Fig. 27(a)) in the clinker after the thermal treatment. Based on this effect, they can be ordered as follows:

## *B*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*ZnO* >*MnO*<sup>2</sup> >*ZrO*<sup>2</sup> > *F e*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*Y*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*V*2*O*5.

treated to the temperature of 1500 °C (1 hour). The thermal analysis of raw materials upon

**Figure 25.** SEM images of hydrated cement stone for the sample prepared with 10 % of Cr2O3.

208 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

**Figure 26.** Thermal analysis of raw meals heated at the rate of 10 °C min-1: DTA (a) and TG (b).

thermal treatment is shown in Fig.26.

The shift of the most intensive diffraction lines of SrAl2O4([-211], [220] and [211], Fig.27) for the samples prepared with ZnO and Fe2O3 indicate the substitution of Zn2+↔ Sr2+and Fe3+↔ Al3+, respectively. While, the clinker prepared with ZnO shows well developed SrAH6 crys‐ tals in hydrated cement stone (Fig.29), the clinker doped with Fe2O3 exhibits the highest heat released upon hydration (Fig.28).

The hydration of prepared samples was investigated by isothermal calorimetry at the tem‐ perature of 25 for the first 72 h of hydration (Fig.28). Since there is no induction period and large amount of heat is released immediately after mixing with water, the course of hydra‐ tion of clinkers doped with ZnO and MnO2 is similar to that of pure strontium aluminate. The heat flow then asymptotically decreases to the baseline. According to the decreasing

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 211

Other clinkers show the induction periods the lengths of which decrease with following

According to the time of maximum of main hydration peak and its height, the samples

Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone (Fig.29) shows the formation of globular (grape-like) aggregates. But also the formation long columns of layered aggregates (*a, b* and *c*), long needle-like crystals (*b*) and well developed SrAH6 crystal (*g, h*) can be observed. The stacked columnar structure of gibbsite aggregate indicates the option to use doped stronti‐ um aluminate cement for the preparation of iron-and aluminium based double layered hy‐

Figure 30(a) describes typical Raman spectrum of pure monoclinic SrAl2O4, where the main peak at 467 cm-1 belongs to bending of O-Al-O in [AlO4] tetrahedra [795,1009]. The partial substitutions of Al2O3 and SrCO3, as the reactants in solid state reaction with different metal oxides lead to theformation of new phases as is indicated by the shifts of the main peak of

The significant shifting was observed for the structure doped with MnO2 and should be de‐ scribed as the distortion of monoclinic lattice structure. The experimentally determined in‐

Increasing content of boron in prepared clinker leads to the formation of large hexagonal plates during hydration (Fig.31). According to EDX (Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy), the composition of these crystals corresponds to Sr2AHx. The formation of well developed crys‐ tals of Sr-analogue of C2AH8was observed only for the samples doped by high amount of

fluence of various metal oxides in lattice shift is ordered as follows:

MnO2 >*ZnO* > *B*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*Y*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*ZrO*<sup>2</sup> > *pure SrA phase* >*V*2*O*<sup>5</sup> >*CaO*.

heat of wetting, the samples can be ordered as follows:

ZnO> >*MnO*<sup>2</sup> > *B*2*O*<sup>3</sup> > *F e*2*O*<sup>3</sup> ≈*Y*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*ZrO*<sup>2</sup> > >*V*2*O*<sup>5</sup>

*V*2*O*<sup>5</sup> > >*ZrO*<sup>2</sup> > *F e*2*O*<sup>3</sup> >*Y*2*O*<sup>3</sup> > > *B*2*O*3.

**•** Time: V2O5>>ZrO2 ≈ Y2O3 ≈ B2O3> Fe2O3.

**•** Intensity: Y2O3 ≈ ZrO2 ≈ Fe2O3> V2O3> B2O3.

should be ordered as follows:

droxides (LDH [665-672]).

[AlO4] tetrahedral (Fig.30(b)).

boron.

dopants applied:

**Figure 27.** X-ray analysis of strontium aluminate clinker prepared with dopants before hydration.

Observed influence of B2O3 on the synthesis and hydration (Fig.28) of strontium aluminate clinker is caused by the ability to incorporate BO4 unit into the framework of SrAl2O4 instead of AlO4 tetrahedra [663]. (BO)4 tetrahedra are of more ionic nature than (AlO)4 due to small‐ er size (*r*B3+< *r*Al3+) and higher electronegativity (*X*B=2 and *X*Al=1.6, Pauling´s scale) of boron [377,664]. B2O3 is also known as a glass former, which has low melting point around 460 ◦C. It is regarded as an excellent flux to facilitate the material diffusion (pleasse see Table 1). Thus, B2O3 is usually added in the preparations of SrAl2O4 in order to reach lower forming temperature [663].

**Figure 28.** Hydration of clinker prepared with dopants.

The hydration of prepared samples was investigated by isothermal calorimetry at the tem‐ perature of 25 for the first 72 h of hydration (Fig.28). Since there is no induction period and large amount of heat is released immediately after mixing with water, the course of hydra‐ tion of clinkers doped with ZnO and MnO2 is similar to that of pure strontium aluminate. The heat flow then asymptotically decreases to the baseline. According to the decreasing heat of wetting, the samples can be ordered as follows:

$$\text{ZnO} \ge \text{MnO}\_2 \ge \text{B}\_2\text{O}\_3 \ge \text{Fe}\_2\text{O}\_3 \approx Y\_2\text{O}\_3 \ge \text{ZrO}\_2 \ge V\_2\text{O}\_5$$

Other clinkers show the induction periods the lengths of which decrease with following dopants applied:

$$\mathcal{V}\_2\mathcal{O}\_5 \ge \operatorname{ZrO}\_2 \ge \operatorname{Fe}\_2\mathcal{O}\_3 \ge \mathcal{Y}\_2\mathcal{O}\_3 \ge \mathcal{B}\_2\mathcal{O}\_3.$$

Observed influence of B2O3 on the synthesis and hydration (Fig.28) of strontium aluminate clinker is caused by the ability to incorporate BO4 unit into the framework of SrAl2O4 instead of AlO4 tetrahedra [663]. (BO)4 tetrahedra are of more ionic nature than (AlO)4 due to small‐ er size (*r*B3+< *r*Al3+) and higher electronegativity (*X*B=2 and *X*Al=1.6, Pauling´s scale) of boron [377,664]. B2O3 is also known as a glass former, which has low melting point around 460 ◦C. It is regarded as an excellent flux to facilitate the material diffusion (pleasse see Table 1). Thus, B2O3 is usually added in the preparations of SrAl2O4 in order to reach lower forming

**Figure 27.** X-ray analysis of strontium aluminate clinker prepared with dopants before hydration.

210 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

temperature [663].

**Figure 28.** Hydration of clinker prepared with dopants.

According to the time of maximum of main hydration peak and its height, the samples should be ordered as follows:


Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone (Fig.29) shows the formation of globular (grape-like) aggregates. But also the formation long columns of layered aggregates (*a, b* and *c*), long needle-like crystals (*b*) and well developed SrAH6 crystal (*g, h*) can be observed. The stacked columnar structure of gibbsite aggregate indicates the option to use doped stronti‐ um aluminate cement for the preparation of iron-and aluminium based double layered hy‐ droxides (LDH [665-672]).

Figure 30(a) describes typical Raman spectrum of pure monoclinic SrAl2O4, where the main peak at 467 cm-1 belongs to bending of O-Al-O in [AlO4] tetrahedra [795,1009]. The partial substitutions of Al2O3 and SrCO3, as the reactants in solid state reaction with different metal oxides lead to theformation of new phases as is indicated by the shifts of the main peak of [AlO4] tetrahedral (Fig.30(b)).

The significant shifting was observed for the structure doped with MnO2 and should be de‐ scribed as the distortion of monoclinic lattice structure. The experimentally determined in‐ fluence of various metal oxides in lattice shift is ordered as follows:

$$\text{MnO}\_2 > \text{ZnO} > \text{B}\_2\text{O}\_3 > Y\_2\text{O}\_3 > \text{ZrO}\_2 > \text{pure SrA} \cdot \text{phase} > V\_2\text{O}\_5 > \text{CaO}\dots$$

Increasing content of boron in prepared clinker leads to the formation of large hexagonal plates during hydration (Fig.31). According to EDX (Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy), the composition of these crystals corresponds to Sr2AHx. The formation of well developed crys‐ tals of Sr-analogue of C2AH8was observed only for the samples doped by high amount of boron.

**Figure 29.** Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone of clinker prepared with 5 % of B2O3(a), Fe2O3 (b) Y2O3(c), V2O3 (d), ZrO2 (e), MnO (f) and ZnO (g) with well developed crystal of Sr3AH6 (h).

**3.3. Substitution of SrO by CaO**

in substitution of 5 wt.%).

ing the thermal processing of clinker.

The substitution of Sr2+in the structure of strontium aluminate by Ca2+ (1, 5 and 10 %) intro‐ duced as CaCO3 into the raw meal leads to the substitutions in the Sr3A during thermal processing of clinker. The content of calcium in formed solid solution of (Sr3-xCax)A (where*=*0.34 (1%), 1.02 (5%) and 1.12 (10%)) increases with the extent of substitution, where‐ as the content of the (Sr3-xCax)A phase decreases (Fig.32(a)). In other words, the introduction of CaCO3 into the raw meal suppresses the formation of tristrontium aluminate phase dur‐

**Figure 31.** Large hexagonal plates of Sr2AHxof hydrated cement stone with 10 % of boron.

**Figure 30.** Raman spectra of SrAl2O4 phase (a) and doped Sr Al O4 structures (b) (where=Ca, Zn, Mn and=B, Fe, V, Y, Zr

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 213

The main diffraction lines of strontium aluminate (-211, 220 and 211) are shifted to the high‐ er position on the °2Θ scale with increasing amount of Sr2+cations substituted by Ca2+ (Fig. 32(b)). Therefore the introduction of smaller ions (Table 1 in Chapter 8) of higher electrone‐

**Figure 30.** Raman spectra of SrAl2O4 phase (a) and doped Sr Al O4 structures (b) (where=Ca, Zn, Mn and=B, Fe, V, Y, Zr in substitution of 5 wt.%).

**Figure 31.** Large hexagonal plates of Sr2AHxof hydrated cement stone with 10 % of boron.

#### **3.3. Substitution of SrO by CaO**

**Figure 29.** Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone of clinker prepared with 5 % of B2O3(a), Fe2O3 (b) Y2O3(c),

212 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

V2O3 (d), ZrO2 (e), MnO (f) and ZnO (g) with well developed crystal of Sr3AH6 (h).

The substitution of Sr2+in the structure of strontium aluminate by Ca2+ (1, 5 and 10 %) intro‐ duced as CaCO3 into the raw meal leads to the substitutions in the Sr3A during thermal processing of clinker. The content of calcium in formed solid solution of (Sr3-xCax)A (where*=*0.34 (1%), 1.02 (5%) and 1.12 (10%)) increases with the extent of substitution, where‐ as the content of the (Sr3-xCax)A phase decreases (Fig.32(a)). In other words, the introduction of CaCO3 into the raw meal suppresses the formation of tristrontium aluminate phase dur‐ ing the thermal processing of clinker.

The main diffraction lines of strontium aluminate (-211, 220 and 211) are shifted to the high‐ er position on the °2Θ scale with increasing amount of Sr2+cations substituted by Ca2+ (Fig. 32(b)). Therefore the introduction of smaller ions (Table 1 in Chapter 8) of higher electrone‐

**Figure 32.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker doped by calcium.

**Figure 33.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the samples doped with calcium.

gativity leads to the decrease of volume of basic cell unit of strontium aluminate. That leads to lower reactivity with water (Fig.33, please refer to the discussion in Chapter 5.6 related to the size of opened channels in the structure of SrA and their influence on the reactivity with water).

The hydration of prepared samples was investigated by isothermal calorimetry at the tem‐ perature of 25°C for the first 72 h of hydration (Fig.33). The decrease of hydration heat (b) for the sample prepared with 5 and 10 % of calcium can be observed as the consequence of higher thermodynamic stability (please see the discussion in Chapter 1.2.4) as well as de‐ creasing amount of formed (Sr3-xCax)A solid solution.

sion in Chapter 4). The highest content of formed solid solution of (Sr2.66Ca0.34)A4

Sr3A, Fig.12 in Chapter 5).

Ca2+.

4 Calcium has approximately two-fold dissolution heat than strontium.

which has lower reactivity with water than SrA provides the explanation for the heat flow released from the sample upon hydration (please compare the heat released from SrA and

**Figure 34.** Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone of clinker prepared with 1, 5 and 10% of Sr2+substituted by

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 215

(Fig.32a)

The course of hydration of the sample prepared with 1% of calcium supports the results of X-ray diffraction analysis (Fig.32) indicating that the substitution in the Sr3A structure pro‐ ceeds prior to the substitution in the structure of SrA. That can be also explained via the mechanism of formation of SrA phase (please reffer to Fig.24 and the corresponding discus‐

**Figure 34.** Electron microscopy of hydrated cement stone of clinker prepared with 1, 5 and 10% of Sr2+substituted by Ca2+.

sion in Chapter 4). The highest content of formed solid solution of (Sr2.66Ca0.34)A4 (Fig.32a) which has lower reactivity with water than SrA provides the explanation for the heat flow released from the sample upon hydration (please compare the heat released from SrA and Sr3A, Fig.12 in Chapter 5).

gativity leads to the decrease of volume of basic cell unit of strontium aluminate. That leads to lower reactivity with water (Fig.33, please refer to the discussion in Chapter 5.6 related to the size of opened channels in the structure of SrA and their influence on the reactivity with

**Figure 33.** Heat flow (a) and heat of hydration (b) for the samples doped with calcium.

The hydration of prepared samples was investigated by isothermal calorimetry at the tem‐ perature of 25°C for the first 72 h of hydration (Fig.33). The decrease of hydration heat (b) for the sample prepared with 5 and 10 % of calcium can be observed as the consequence of higher thermodynamic stability (please see the discussion in Chapter 1.2.4) as well as de‐

The course of hydration of the sample prepared with 1% of calcium supports the results of X-ray diffraction analysis (Fig.32) indicating that the substitution in the Sr3A structure pro‐ ceeds prior to the substitution in the structure of SrA. That can be also explained via the mechanism of formation of SrA phase (please reffer to Fig.24 and the corresponding discus‐

creasing amount of formed (Sr3-xCax)A solid solution.

**Figure 32.** XRD analysis of strontium aluminate clinker doped by calcium.

214 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

water).

<sup>4</sup> Calcium has approximately two-fold dissolution heat than strontium.

substituted by Ca2+. Combining these results with previously described influence of Ca2+ ions on the formation of Sr3A phase, the crucial role of lack of tristrontium aluminate and lower reactivity of Ca-substituted SrA in the nucleation and growth of large hydrogarnet

Blended and Multicomponent Cements Based on Strontium Aluminate 217

Fig.35shows the composition of hydration product of strontium aluminate clinker prepared with 10% of Ca2+. The (Sr+Ca):Al atomic ratio ~3:2 corresponds to the formation of Ca-substi‐ tuted tristrontium aluminate hexahydrate with the composition given by the formula (Sr2.7Ca0.3)AH6. Therefore, Ca2+ ions substitute Sr2+ in the hydrogarnet phase in the ratio cor‐

responding to the amount of cations substituted in the original clinker (10 %).

crystals at the beginning of hydration process can be supposed.

**Figure 35.** WDX analysis of hydrogarnet crystal formed during the hydration of strontium aluminate clinker prepared with 10 % of Ca2+.

The maximum of main hydration effect, which appearsat 1.5 h for the sample prepared with 10% of calcium indicates, that the hydration properties are more similar to those of CAC as the content of Ca2+ions in formed solid solution increases.

The hydrogarnet phase (Sr3-xCax)AH6 and AH3 are recognized as the main products of hy‐ dration of prepared clinker. Electron microscopy (Fig.34) shows the formation of well devel‐ oped crystals of hydrogarnet phase in the samples prepared with 5 and 10% of Sr2+ substituted by Ca2+. Combining these results with previously described influence of Ca2+ ions on the formation of Sr3A phase, the crucial role of lack of tristrontium aluminate and lower reactivity of Ca-substituted SrA in the nucleation and growth of large hydrogarnet crystals at the beginning of hydration process can be supposed.

Fig.35shows the composition of hydration product of strontium aluminate clinker prepared with 10% of Ca2+. The (Sr+Ca):Al atomic ratio ~3:2 corresponds to the formation of Ca-substi‐ tuted tristrontium aluminate hexahydrate with the composition given by the formula (Sr2.7Ca0.3)AH6. Therefore, Ca2+ ions substitute Sr2+ in the hydrogarnet phase in the ratio cor‐ responding to the amount of cations substituted in the original clinker (10 %).

**Figure 35.** WDX analysis of hydrogarnet crystal formed during the hydration of strontium aluminate clinker prepared

216 Strontium Aluminate - Cement Fundamentals, Manufacturing, Hydration, Setting Behaviour and Applications

The maximum of main hydration effect, which appearsat 1.5 h for the sample prepared with 10% of calcium indicates, that the hydration properties are more similar to those of CAC as

The hydrogarnet phase (Sr3-xCax)AH6 and AH3 are recognized as the main products of hy‐ dration of prepared clinker. Electron microscopy (Fig.34) shows the formation of well devel‐ oped crystals of hydrogarnet phase in the samples prepared with 5 and 10% of Sr2+

the content of Ca2+ions in formed solid solution increases.

with 10 % of Ca2+.

**Chapter 8**

**Expansive Strontium**

**Aluminate Cements**

**1. Expansive cements**

**•** Hydration shrinkage;

**•** Self-desiccation shrinkage;

**•** Crystallization swelling;

**•** Thermal contraction or expansion;

lead to increased shrinkage [679,681].

**•** Shrinkage during the phase transition or expansion.

to cement ratio of 0.40 as required by ASTM C 1608 [678].

Cement hydration is a complex set of exothermic chemical reactions. Each chemical compound may react with water in different ways, each reaction has its own volume stoichiometry, and the reaction (or hydration) products may undergo the transition to different forms. There are several mechanisms by which a cement paste changes its volume (shrinks or swells) during the hydration process under sealed conditions, or without the moisture transfer from paste to

Autogenous shrinkage is a phenomenon in which cementitious materials shrink at constant temperature without any changes in weight [677]. It is well-known that the volume changes in a cement paste or concrete mentioned above may occur simultaneously. It is the overall shrinkage behaviour that controls the concrete performance [278]. Furthermore, the influence of this phenomenon on total shrinkage depends on the size of specimen [414]. Most chemical shrinkage measurements reported are often performed at short duration and suggested water

Autogenous shrinkage in concrete with low water-cement ratio is the major factor that generates larger shrinkage and early cracking [673,677,679]. A small increase in the chemical shrinkage at "infinite time" was found with increasing water-cement ratio. The influence of temperature was found to be twofold: Increasing temperature caused increasing rate of the development of chemical shrinkage and the decrease of the chemical shrinkage at "infinite time" [680]. The mineral admixtures in concrete affect the concrete shrinkage in different ways. Fly ash and limestone powder can reduce the autogenous shrinkage while silica fume may

> © 2014 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

the environment. The major mechanisms of total shrinkage include [12,278,673-676]:

**Chapter 8**
