Optimization of Drilling Cuttings Reactivity as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in Ternary Cements

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of milling on the reactivity of drilling cuttings (DC) utilized as supplementary cementitious material in ternary cements (TC). The drilling cuttings milling study varied the time (2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min) and rotation speed (200 and 300 rpm), determining the specific milling energy and grindability index. The hydration of TC pastes containing DC with different particle size distributions was evaluated by isothermal calorimetry during the first 72 hours, XRD/Rietveld at 3 and 28 days, compressive strength and absorption. The incorporation of milled DC improved the TC hydration kinetics compared to reference pastes of ordinary Portland cement (REF.PC). After 28 days, the TC pastes with the D 50% diameter smaller than 11 µm reached at least 70% of the resistance to the strength of the Portland cement paste. Milled DC contributes to the physical and nucleation effect of the TC pastes studied and can be used as an SCM.