The hydration of blastfurnace slag cements

A general characterization of the early stage hydration behaviour of ground granulated blastfurnace slag/ordinary Portland cement blends reacting in the temperature range 20–60°C has been made by thermal and electron microscopic techniques. In the blends studied, both the silicate and aluminate associated reactions were accelerated by an increase in hydration temperature, although the aluminate acceleration was greatest. The marked effect of thermal activation on the hydration of ground granulated blastfurnace slag is illustrated.