Surface properties of clinker phases and clay minerals characterized by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and their link to reactivity

This paper presents a preliminary study of the characterization of the surface energy properties of clinker phases (C3S and C3A), kaolin and metakaolin by Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC). For this, a reliable measurement methodology was developed. By looking at changes in the whole series of results (dispersive surface energy, specific polar interaction parameter, acid and base constants, morphology index, nanoroughness and adsorption energy distribution function), it is possible to discern changes between the same powders with different surface treatments. A promising correlation between surface properties and the reactivity of studied materials have been found. However, based on the IGC characterization, the increased reactivity of metakaolin compared to the raw kaolinite seems to be strongly linked to the change in local order rather than significant changes in the surface energetics, although a change in the acid/base nature of the surface has been observed.