Effect of calcium aluminate cement in water on hydration of aluminium powder

Abstract

Abstract The addition of small amounts (0.25 wt-%) of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) to water greatly accelerates the hydration of Al powder. This behaviour is attributable to the increased basicity of the solution owing to the CAC leading to dissolution of the native Al2O3 film and early hydration products, as well as additional heat released by the accelerated hydration of Al and CAC. The significance of this for the use of Al powder in CAC bonded refractory castables is discussed.