How can we enhance the reactivity of natural clays for industrial applications? This study investigates the effects of thermal and mechanochemical activation on heterogeneous clays, potentially unlocking new avenues for sustainable material use. This research investigates the correlation between activation methods and the reactivity of heterogeneous clays, addressing a gap in the understanding of how to effectively utilize these abundant resources. The study examines the impact of traditional thermal and mechanochemical activation methods, as well as their combination, on clay mineralogy, particle size, morphology, specific surface area, and reactivity. The results reveal that combining these activation methods can bring about significant modifications in crucial parameters. The findings highlight that integrating mechanochemical activation with prior thermal treatment leads to a substantial increase in specific surface area and reactivity compared to standalone methods. The study concludes by emphasizing the potential of combined treatments to enhance the pozzolanicity of low-reactive heterogeneous clays, thus unlocking opportunities for clinker supplementation in construction. However, the presence of impurities like iron oxides and calcite remains a noteworthy factor influencing the reactivity of kaolinitic natural clays.
Published in Materials and Structures, this research is well-suited to the journal's scope, which focuses on the science and engineering of construction materials. By examining the activation and reactivity of natural clays, the paper contributes to understanding how to improve the performance and sustainability of building materials. The findings offer practical insights for enhancing the pozzolanicity of clays, a topic of significant interest to the journal's readership.