TITLE:
Characterization and Pozzolanic Reactivity of Two Togolese Clays for Use as Supplementary Cementitious Materials
AUTHORS:
Dilami Diana Babakoua, Koffi Fiaty, Catherine Charcosset, Sanonka Tchegueni, Komla Mawoulikplim Anove, Moursalou Koriko, Gado Tchangbedji
KEYWORDS:
SCMs, Low-Carbon Cement, R3 Test, Kaolinite, Quartz
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.13 No.9,
September
10,
2025
ABSTRACT: Calcined clays, emerging as one of the most promising supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), have gained global attention as key contributors to low-carbon cement production. This study investigates the potential use of two clays from different regions of Togo as SCMs. The clays were calcined between 700˚C and 900˚C to evaluate the influence of calcination temperature on their physicochemical properties. Their characteristics were analysed through XRF, XRD, FTIR, and TGA analyses. In addition, their pozzolanic reactivity was assessed using the TGA-based R3 test to quantify their calcium hydroxide consumption. Results showed that one clay was rich in kaolinite and the other in quartz. XRD and FTIR analyses suggested that 700˚C was sufficient to induce optimal transformation in both clays, while TGA analysis indicated that the kaolinite-rich clay achieved better results at 750˚C. For the clay rich in quartz, the ideal calcination temperature remains unclear due to its complex thermal properties. However, the R3 test confirmed the effectiveness of both clays as SCMs, with the kaolinite-rich clay exhibiting significantly higher reactivity than the other clay.