Abstract
The hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S) in the preacceleration stages was studied. The C3S particles carry a positive charge during the early stages of hydration. Following a rapid hydrolysis of C3S, calcium ions adsorbed on the Si‐rich surface of C3S particles, greatly reducing their further dissolution, thus initiating the induction period. The [Ca2+] and [OH‐] continue to increase at lower rates and, because Ca(OH)2 crystal growth is inhibited by silicate ions, become supersaturated with respect to Ca(OH)2. When the supersaturation reaches a value of ∼1.5 to 2.0 times the saturation concentration, nuclei are formed, and rapid growth of Ca(OH)2 and C‐S‐H is initiated. These products act as sinks for the ions in solution, thus enhancing the further dissolution of C3S.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
