Long-term performance of MgO–SiO2 binder

Abstract Magnesium silicate hydrate (M–S–H) formed on reaction of MgO and reactive SiO 2 imparts binding characteristics similar to Portland cement (PC). Limited knowledge is available on the long-term mechanical and durability performance of M–S–H binder systems. In this study, the performance of MgO–SiO 2 binder was assessed up to 365 days. In addition to silica fume (SF), the most widely used silica source with MgO, calcined clay (CC) with kaolinite content of ~ 40–50% and industrial grade metakaolin (MK) were also investigated. Mortar specimens were prepared with all the three silica sources at three different proportion levels of MgO and silica source. Thermodynamic modelling was carried out to further understand the changes occurring in the phase assemblage during hydration for the adopted proportions. Concrete mixes comprising of MgO and MK or SF in a ratio of 1:1 and PC as a control mix were cast a water to binder ratio of 0.4. The compressive strength and porosity were measured at 7, 28, 90 and 365 days on mortar and concrete specimens. In addition, elastic modulus and electrical resistivity was also measured on the concrete samples at all the above-mentioned ages. MgO mixes with CC and MK showed a continual increase in compressive strength until 365 days whereas strength retrogression was observed in MgO–SF mixes after 90 days. The durability indicators for MgO–MK concrete showed better or similar performance as compared to PC. The aluminum present in the CC and MK helps to improve the overall characteristics of the MgO–SiO 2 binder.