G. W. Brindley

Bio: G. W. Brindley is an academic researcher from Pennsylvania State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Kaolinite & Mullite. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 15 publications receiving 1789 citations.

Numerical Data for Some Commonly Used Solid State Reaction Equations

Abstract: Many solid state reactions can be represented by equations of the type F(α) =kt, where α is the fraction of material reacted in time, t. These equations can be expressed in the form F(α) =A(t/t0.5) where t0.5 is the time for 50% reaction and A is a calculable constant depending on the form of F(α). Numerical tables are given of F(α) in relation to α, and to (t/t0.5), for nine equations corresponding to reactions which are diffusion controlled, or are reaction-rate controlled, or obey first order kinetics, or follow the equations of Avrami and Erofe'ev. The application of the tables to the analysis of experimental data is described.

The KaoIinite-Mullite Reaction Series: I, A Survey of Outstanding Problems

Abstract: This reaction series has been a subject of extensive investigation since the work of Le Chatelier in 1887. Nevertheless, major problems have remained concerned with the nature of metakaolin, the manner in which it transforms into a spinel-type phase and mullite, and the relation of this spinel-type phase to mullite. The present survey brings these problems into sharp focus and provides the necessary historical background fora new approach to their solution.

The KaoIinite‐MuIIite Reaction Series: Ill, The High‐Temperature Phases

Abstract: X-ray diffraction data for the high-temperature phases show that a spinel-type structure develops with marked orientation at about 925°C. This phase is considered to be an aluminum silicon spinel with vacant cation sites. Mullite is thought to be formed by the decomposition of the spinel. Silica is eliminated progressively as metakaolin transforms to the spinel phase and thence to mullite. The X-ray data show variation in the mullite parameters between 1200° and 1400°C.; at 1400°C., the composition probably approximates 3A12O3·2SiO2. The nature of the intermediate spinel-type phase is discussed in relation to the crystal chemistry of spinels.

Kinetics of Dehydroxylation of Kaolinite and Halloysite

Abstract: Previous studies of the kinetics of dehydroxylation of kaolinite and halloysite point to first-order reactions, in approximate conformity with the Arrhenius relation. Isothermal weight-loss measurements have shown that the rate constants are markedly dependent on factors such as specimen size, shape, and compaction. A technique has been developed for determining the reaction kinetics of infinitely thin disk-type specimens. The reactions are then strictly first order and the Arrhenius relation is obeyed. Activation energies of 65 and 55 kcal. per mole are obtained for kaolinite and halloysite, respectively. Comparison is made between the behavior of kaolinite and halloysite on the one hand and of macrocrystalline anauxite on the other. For anauxite, nucleation and growth of nuclei produce a sigmoid-type reaction curve, but for the fine-grained minerals it is believed that nucleation alone is the rate-controlling process. The dependence of the reaction rate on geometrical factors is attributed to the retention of water vapor within the powder specimen. The influence of water vapor on these reactions is discussed generally.

Metakaolin and calcined clays as pozzolans for concrete: a review

Abstract: The utilisation of calcined clay, in the form of metakaolin (MK), as a pozzolanic material for mortar and concrete has received considerable attention in recent years. This interest is part of the widely spread attention directed towards the utilisation of wastes and industrial by-products in order to minimise Portland cement (PC) consumption, the manufacture of which being environmentally damaging. Another reason is that mortar and concrete, which contain pozzolanic materials, exhibit considerable enhancement in durability properties. This paper reviews work carried out on the use of MK as a partial pozzolanic replacement for cement in mortar and concrete and in the containment of hazardous wastes. The literature demonstrates that MK is an effective pozzolan which causes great improvement in the pore structure and hence the resistance of the concrete to the action of harmful solutions.

Geopolymers and Related Alkali-Activated Materials

Abstract: The development of new, sustainable, low-CO2 construction materials is essential if the global construction industry is to reduce the environmental footprint of its activities, which is incurred particularly through the production of Portland cement. One type of non-Portland cement that is attracting particular attention is based on alkali-aluminosilicate chemistry, including the class of binders that have become known as geopolymers. These materials offer technical properties comparable to those of Portland cement, but with a much lower CO2 footprint and with the potential for performance advantages over traditional cements in certain niche applications. This review discusses the synthesis of alkali-activated binders from blast furnace slag, calcined clay (metakaolin), and fly ash, including analysis of the chemical reaction mechanisms and binder phase assemblages that control the early-age and hardened properties of these materials, in particular initial setting and long-term durability. Perspectives fo...