Alkali-activated metakaolin-slag blends—performance and structure in dependence of their composition

Blast furnace slag and metakaolin were blended together and the combination activated by sodium hydroxide solution. The boundary mixtures were set by the activation of the pure slag and pure metakaolin powders. The type and quantity of the reaction products in the alkaline activated blended binders was determined. It is discussed whether both raw materials react separately and are unaffected by each other or if there is a chemical interaction. The discussion bases on extensive investigations with ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy compared with X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (DTA/TG). Additionally, the strength performance will be presented and related to structure, composition and the amount of the reaction products.