The fate of iron during hydration of white Portland cement-fayalitic slag
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: There is increasing interest in using Fe-rich materials in cement, yet the Fe speciation in hydrated cement paste remains poorly understood. This study quantitatively investigates the fate of amorphous Fe in hydrated white Portland cement-fayalitic slag pastes with varying Fe contents cured for 3, 28, and 90 days. The results show that Fe precipitated as ferrihydrite and potentially adsorbed on calcium (alumino)silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) after 3 days of hydration. Afterwards, Fe stabilised in Fe-siliceous hydrogarnet and Fe-adsorbed C-(A)-S-H phases, accounting for ∼15% and ∼ 85% of total reacted Fe, respectively, after hydration for 90 days. The high Fe uptake by C-(A)-S-H was mainly attributed to Fe(III) adsorption rather than Fe(II). Thermodynamic modelling combined with microstructural analysis supported the predominant distribution of Fe on the C-(A)-S-H phase. These findings can advance understanding in using reactive Fe-containing materials in Portland cement pastes and the development of their chemical and physical properties.
Source: Cement and Concrete Research
Authors: Jianhang Feng, Minggen Zhang, James Eales, Siyi Shen, Marcus Yio, Thokozile Kathyola, Yiannis Pontikes, Paul A. Bingham, Rupert J. Myers
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,180
Awards: UKCRIC - Advanced Infrastructure Materials Lab, G1124005961, Decarbonising cementitious materials through carbon capture and utilisation (CO24Cem), Coordination Node for UKCRIC, G3465252889, Cambridge Electric Cement: Zero-emissions cement from old concrete paste replacing flux in electric-arc furnaces
OpenAlex ID: W7165004946