Research on the reaction kinetics of alkali-activated materials

Abstract

This study categorizes the chemical reaction occurring during the preparation of alkali-activated materials into two interdependent processes: ion dissolution and ion polymerization. The factors influencing the ion dissolution rate and the ion polymerization rate were analysed separately. Dissolution kinetics equation was utilized to quantify the relationship between the dissolution rate and factors such as the fineness of the solid raw materials, pH, and temperature. Similarly, polymerization kinetics equation was employed to quantify the relationship between the polymerization rate and ion concentrations, temperature, and other relevant factors. The established reaction kinetics equations were then used to predict the gel formation in alkali-activated materials at different curing ages. The computational results indicate that the reaction kinetics equations developed in this study can predict the gel formation in alkali-activated materials at different curing ages with reasonable accuracy, using variables such as temperature, alkali concentration, and the type of solid raw material as inputs. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the chemical reactions involved in the preparation of alkali-activated materials.