“…The sulfate-binding phase, ettringite, was observed in all of the clay mixes. The rich alumina content in calcined kaolin clay formed tetra calcium aluminate hydrates (C 4 AH 13 ) after reacting with portlandite, 67 which reacted with sulfate ions in seawater, enhancing sulfate binding through the formation of ettringites. 68−70 As shown in Figure 6b, needlelike ettringites were found filling up the voids of the binder matrix even at an early age (28 days); at 90 days, the width of these needles increased in size.…”