Fundamental hydration kinetic features of the major cement constituents : Ca₃SiO₅ and βCa₂SiO₄

Abstract

During the hydration of the major anhydrous constituents of cement such as Ca3SiO5 and βCa2SiO4, two hydrates form : calcium hydrosilicate and calcium hydroxide. The hydration appears to be a complex reaction resulting from three reactions which become progressively simultaneous. The initial time of the second and the third are delayed due to the fact that a suitable supersaturation degree must be reached prior to the beginning of the hydrate precipitation. Quasi steady states follow the steep period of precipitation.