Kinetics of the pozzolanic reaction between lime and sugar cane straw ash by electrical conductivity measurement: A kinetic–diffusive model

The kinetics of the pozzolanic reaction between lime (calcium hydroxide) and sugar cane straw ash (SCSA) with 20% and 30% of clay burned at 800 and 1000 °C is studied. A simple experimental technique was used in which the conductivity is the experimental variable. For correlating the conductivity with the concentration of calcium hydroxide (CH), a calibration curve was established. We elaborated a mathematical model that allows us to describe the process in either kinetic or kinetic–diffusive regimes. The fitting of the model by computerized methods enables us determine the parameters that characterize the process: i.e. the diffusion coefficient and reaction rate constant. The pozzolanic activity is evaluated according to the obtained values of the reaction rate constant. The results show that SCSA has a good pozzolanic activity comparable to that of the rice husk ash (RHA).