Chemical shrinkage of ye’elimite with and without gypsum addition

Abstract

Ye’elimite (Ca4Al6O12SO4 or C4A3S-) is the main hydraulic mineral present in calcium sulphoaluminate cement (CSA). Its reaction is responsible for the (early) hydration and associated cement properties such as the chemical shrinkage. This paper discusses the evolution of chemical shrinkage and related hydration reactions of stoichiometric ye’elimite in the absence and presence of gypsum. The measurements reveal a transitory chemical expansion followed by recovery to the original value for both binders. The shrinkage evolution is linked to the changes within the X-ray amorphous phases formed during hydration. This amorphous component is composed of several metastable hydrates such as aluminium hydroxide gel, which undergo subsequent recrystallization with time. This causes the release of some of the bound water and coincides with the period during which the chemical expansion occurs.