Effect of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Seeds on Hydration and Mechanical Properties of Cement

Abstract

C-S-H series are synthesized at different temperatures and ages by pozzolanic reaction. The change of particle size distribution, phase composition, morphology and nanostructure of C-S-H with temperatures and ages, and the effects of C-S-H seeds and seeds parameters on the hydration behavior and mechanical properties development of cement were investigated by DLS, XRD, SEM, 29Si NMR, TAM-air isothermal calorimeter and mechanical properties test. The results show that the particle size, crystallinity, basal spacing and Q2/Q1 ratio of C-S-H increases with the increase of synthesis temperature and age. The addition of synthesized C-S-H seeds to cement pastes results in the strong acceleration effect on cement hydration and significant improvement of the early strength of cement paste and mortar. The 1 day-C-S-H seeds synthesized at room temperature can increase the strength of cement paste by about 30 MPa at 12 h. The effect does not show a very regular change with the increase of the temperature and age of seeds synthesis. Considering the effect of C-S-H seeds on the hydration and mechanical properties of cement, and economy and short cycle of seeds synthesis, the C-S-H seeds synthesized at room temperature for 1 day or 55 °C water bath for 12 hours is recommended.