Mechanochemical activation of mixed raw clays: Influence of grinding parameters on process efficiency and physicochemical properties

Abstract

Natural heterogeneous clays offer potential as alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for CO ₂ ‐reduced binder systems due to their pozzolanic properties and global availability. Mechanochemical activation (MCA) has emerged as an alternative method to enhance the reactivity particularly of mixed 2:1 clays. However, the influence of milling parameters and mineralogy is not yet fully understood. This study investigates the effect of varying milling parameters on two mixed raw clays low in kaolinite‐content – one illite‐ and one smectite‐based. Physical and structural changes induced by MCA are evaluated through particle size distribution, BET specific surface area, XRD, and heat flow calorimetry to assess the resulting reactivity enhancement.