Influence of silica fume on the properties of portland slag cement

The effect of silica fume an the hydration characteristics of portland slag cement has been studied as a function of curing time up to 3 months. The results indicate that the free lime content decreases with the increase in silica fume and curing time. The DTA results are in good agreement with the results of the chemical analysis. Moreover, the combined water content increases with the increase in the amount of silica fume while decreases with the increase of slag content.