Development of a kinetic-thermodynamic model for lime-stabilization of Na-bentonite

Ahmadullah, Tasneem; Chrysochoou, Maria

doi:10.1186/s12932-025-00103-4

Development of a kinetic-thermodynamic model for lime-stabilization of Na-bentonite

Journal Article · Wed Jul 30 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Geochemical Transactions

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12932-025-00103-4· OSTI ID:2588649

Ahmadullah, Tasneem ^[1]; Chrysochoou, Maria ^[2]

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, MO (United States)

This study presents the first kinetic model to predict the solid and pore solution composition of Na-bentonite clay reacting with slaked lime over a period of 720 days. The model successfully accounts for most experimental data using a single kinetic rate constant. The following sequence of reactions was predicted by the model: initial rapid dissolution of portlandite within the first 7 days, leading to a decrease in pH and dissolved calcium, and concurrent formation of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H: jennite), calcium aluminate hydrate (C-A-H: C₄AH₁₃), calcium aluminosilicate hydrates (stratlingite) and hydrotalcite. After 7 days, jennite and stratlingite are predicted to transform into tobermorite-II, contributing to strength development up to 28 days. From 28 to 90 days, continued montmorillonite dissolution is predicted, along with minor formation of ettringite, partial tobermorite-II dissolution, and precipitation of secondary phases such as albite and talc. Experimentally, portlandite dissolution was confirmed by TGA and XRD and found to be complete within 7 days, in agreement with model predictions. However, other predicted solid-phase transformations (e.g., tobermorite-II formation and dissolution, ettringite, albite, and talc formation) could not be conclusively verified through experimental techniques. Aqueous phase measurements confirmed that the pH and Ca trends in solution, and that equilibrium was reached by 90 days.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

Other Award/Contract Number:: 1740554

OSTI ID:: 2588649

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--216205

Journal Information:: Geochemical Transactions, Journal Name: Geochemical Transactions Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 26; ISSN 1467-4866

Publisher:: Springer Science and Business Media LLCCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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