Assessment of Time-Dependent Hydration Products in Olivine-Substituted Cement Mortars


ALTUNCI Y. T., ÖCAL C.

Materials, vol.18, no.17, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 17
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/ma18174212
  • Journal Name: Materials
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: cement mortar, CO2 sequestration, compressive strength, hydration mechanisms, olivine substitution
  • Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

It is known that approximately 8% of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions originate from cement production. Consequently, there is ongoing rapid research into environmentally friendly and alternative materials that could substitute for cement. Olivine [(Mg, Fe)2SiO4] is an abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust that facilitates CO2 sequestration due to its high solubility. This study investigates the effects of hydration mechanisms in olivine-substituted cement mortars on their compressive strength, microstructural characteristics, and physical properties. For this purpose, standard cement mortars were produced using CEM IV 32.5 N-type cement with olivine substitution rates of 0%, 10%, and 20%. The compressive strength of the specimens was initially determined at 7, 28, and 90 days. Subsequently, the hydration mechanisms at 7, 28, and 90 days were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Thermal Analysis/Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA/TG), and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results demonstrated that the 10% substitution rate complies with the BS EN 196-1 standard, and olivine can be substituted for CEM IV type cement up to 10% without requiring calcination.