An Exploratory Research on PCC Application of Crystalline Limestone: Effects of Limestone Crystallographic Characteristicson Hydraulic Activity

Quicklime(CaO) is generally obtained through the calcination of limestone, the main component of which is calcium carbonate($CaCO_3$). Quicklime generates high-temperature heat when reacting with water, forming slaked lime($Ca(OH)_2$). The industrial sectors for limestone are determined by the hydraulic activity of slaked lime, which is obtained by measuring temperature changes during the hydration reaction. Accordingly, this study examined the different crystallographic characteristics of limestone as affected by the geological origins of the regions where the limestones were produced, and how these characteristics affected hydraulic activity. Six limestone samples were collected from the Jecheon and Cheongsong areas and the hydraulic activities were measured in accordance with KS E 3077. The results indicate that limestone produced in the Cheongsong area, recrystallized through metamorphism caused by hydrothermal alteration, hada larger grain size of calcite than that of the Jecheon area, and displays a tendency of changing to marble. Limestone from the Cheonsong area showed more radical reaction in the early stage of hydration compared to that ofthe Jecheon area. In addition, it was revealed that limestone having more impurities like $SiO_2$ have lower hydraulic activity.