Application of natural pozzolanic material from South America-Peru as SCM

A naturally occurring pozzolanic material from Peru was characterized comprehensively to evaluate its suitability as a supplementary cementitious material. The objective was to determine the mineralogical and chemical composition of the material.
The material was processed into powder samples for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fused beads for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

XRD results revealed the presence of sanidine, plagioclase, and cristobalite, indicative of a volcanic, magmatic origin. Minor variations in peak distributions across measurements confirmed the material’s consistent mineralogy.

XRF analysis showed a chemical composition of approximately 74 wt% SiO₂, 14 wt% Al₂O₃, 4 wt% K₂O, and 4 wt% Na₂O, with trace amounts of CaO, Fe₂O₃, and MgO, and a loss on ignition of 0.1%.

Further investigations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Blaine tests (EN DIN 196-6), Frattini tests (EN DIN 196-7) and isoperibolic calorimetry, are planned to assess precisely the material’s pozzolanic reactivity. Preliminary results suggest promising potential for application in the construction industry.