A study was carried out comparing silica fume (SF) and dealuminated kaolin (DK) as pozzolanic materials in blended cements. Ten, 20 or 30 wt% of SF or DK were substituted for Portland cement. The kinetics of hydration up to 45 h were studied using isothermal conduction calorimetry. Blends containing pozzolanic materials usually have decreased heats of hydration compared to pure cement during the period of C3S hydration, i.e. during the main hydration peak. Depending on the chemical composition and the activity of the pozzolan, the reaction taking place with the lime typically contributes to the heat output after the main hydration peak. The pozzolanic activity of DK is the principal factor and heat evolution increases with respect to pure PC mortar, during the first 15 h. The presence of hydrated silica (silanol groups) in DK increases the pozzolanic activity especially before and during induction period. The acidic silanol sites are capable of a fast acid-base reaction with the alkalis and with any Ca(OH)(2) present in cement during the induction period. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.