Structural Properties of Calcium Silicate Pastes: I, Effect of the Hydrating Compound

Abstract

The chemical and physical properties of C 3 S, β‐C 2 S, a C 3 S/C 2 S blend, and portland cement pastes cured at 25°C were investigated. The H 2 O specific surface areas of the calcium silicate samples follow a common linear relation when plotted against a CIS ratio. The β‐C 2 S had higher capillary porosity and N2 surface area, resulting from increased mesopore volume at the expense of micropores. All calcium silicate pastes had similar polysilicate content vs time curves, indicating an aging process which is not sensitive to the starting composition of the hydrating calcium silicate. The polysilicate content of portland cement was much lower than that of the corresponding calcium silicate pastes. Strength‐capillary porosity relations for the various systems are discussed.