Work

Properties of corn cob ash and effect on hydration kinetics in PC-blended cementitious systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The study investigates the effects of the properties of calcined corn cob ash on the hydration kinetics of Portland cement (PC). The corn cob ashes were used at PC replacement levels of 15% and 30%. The materials were characterised for oxide composition and amorphous content using XRF and XRD respectively. The reactivity of the corn cob ashes was assessed using both the R 3 Test (ASTM C1897-20) and the strength activity index (SAI). The hydration kinetics of the corn cob ashes was assessed using isothermal calorimetry at 20 °C with measurements taken up to 48 h. The results show that the corn cob ashes produced at the two temperatures are largely crystalline, showing little pozzolanicity even though the SAI indicated otherwise. Partial replacement of PC with corn cob ash affected the evolution of heat of hydration of PC, prolonging the induction phase and delaying the evolution of the main heat peak.

Source: Discover Civil Engineering

DOI: 10.1007/s44290-026-00462-6

Authors: Oluwadamilola Adepeju Fadele, Mike B. Otieno

Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Hertfordshire

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Research Foundation, Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg

Award: G3928791823