Metakaolin: a versatile material to enhance the durability of concrete - an overview

A. K. Parande, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India 
R. H. Chitradevi, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India
K. Thangavel, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India 
M. S. Karthikeyan, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India
B. Ganesh, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India
N. Palaniswamy, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India

The utilisation of calcined clay in the form of metakaolin as a pozzolan for concrete has received considerable interest in recent years. The use of metakaolin as a mineral admixture for concrete is a well-documented practice. Metakaolin is a quality enhancing pozzolan for concrete. In this review paper the work done by various researchers on the effect of the addition of metakaolin to modify the properties of concrete are documented; source and manufacture, fresh concrete properties, hardened concrete and durability. From the survey it is concluded that metakaolin enhances early strength in concrete through a filler effect. Metakaolin also enhances long-term strength and durability of concrete and corrosion resistance. Less work has been carried out in corrosion studies and some of these works are highlighted in this review paper.