Variation in Fineness of Cement-Based Composites Containing Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes

This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of sugarcane bagasse ash fineness on the properties of cement-based composites. Three sugarcane bagasse ash contents (10, 20 and 30% by weight of cement) and three particle sizes of bagasse ash (particles less than 45, 75 and 150 μm) were used as a partial replacement for cement in mortar specimens with a constant water/cementitious ratio of 0.55. The pozzolanic strength activity test, compressive strength test and scanning electron microscope observations were conducted and compared. Test results indicated that the compressive strength decreased with the addition of sugarcane bagasse ash content increased. Addition of sugarcane bagasse ash to replace cement in cementitious composites could provide hydration and pozzolanic reaction, but it would still keep more rugged and some larger pores observed from the paste surface and resulted in the weaker microstructures and poorer properties in cementitious composites. In conclusion, the critical usage of sugarcane bagasse ash is 10 % with 45μm particles.