Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Transformation of Organic Household Leftovers into a Peat Substitute
Published on: July 9, 2019
Characterisation of sugar cane straw waste as pozzolanic material for construction: calcining temperature and kinetic
Moisés Frías1, E Villar-Cociña, E Valencia-Morales
1Eduardo Torroja Institute (CSIC), c/ Serrano Galvache 4, 28033 Madrid, Spain. mfrias@ietcc.csic.es
Abstract:
This paper reports on the influence of calcining temperature (800 and 1000 degrees C) on the pozzolanic activation of sugar cane straw (SCS). The reaction kinetics of SCS ash-lime mixtures were inferred from physicochemical characteristics (X-ray diffraction patterns and thermogravimetry analysis. The fitting of a kinetic-diffusive model to the experimental data (fixed lime versus time) allowed the computing of the kinetic parameters (reaction rate constant) of the pozzolanic reaction. Results obtained confirm that the sugar cane straw ash (SCSA) calcined at 800 and 1000 degrees C have properties indicative of very high pozzolanic activity. No influence of calcining temperature on the pozzolanic activity was observed. Also, no crystalline compounds during the pozzolanic reaction were identified up to 90 days of reaction. Environmental durability and strength of the consequential mortars remain to be assessed.
Related Concept Videos
Pozzolans
Fly ash is a...
Strength and Heat of Hydration
The heat of hydration for each cement compound is significant; for instance, tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and...
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability
To address...
Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the aggregate...
Hot Weather Concreting
Mitigating the heat increase in concrete can be economically achieved by shading aggregate stockpiles to prevent heating from solar radiation,...
Hydration of Cement

