Modeling the alkaline dissolution of metakaolinite

The alkaline dissolution of metakaolinite (Al 2 Si 2 O 7 ) in NaOH solutions was monitored by in-situ 27 Al NMR spectroscopy. A population balance model, combined with geochemical equilibrium calculations, was used to fit the time-dependent concentration of the Al(OH) 4 − species in solution and calculate the Al 2 Si 2 O 7 dissolution rate. To this aim, a critically revised dissolution equation for metakaolinite was provided. By estimation of the equation parameters, a generalized dissolution rate was obtained as a function of pH. Therefore, these results are suitable for cement systems reacting at different pH ranges, from blended to alkali-activated ones. Specifically, the results presented in this paper constitute a basis on which more sophisticated kinetic models of binders based on metakaolin, or kaolinitic calcined clays, could be set up, with the aim of predicting their dissolution-precipitation kinetics and associated properties. • Quantification of the dissolution kinetics of metakaolinite in NaOH solutions. • In-situ monitoring of the Al(OH) 4 {-} species by liquid-state 27 Al NMR. • Population balance model coupled with geochemical equilibrium calculations. • Definition of the dissolution equation for metakaolinite in alkaline conditions. • The metakaolinite dissolution rate constant as a function of pH is provided.