Nanogranular nature of the CSH gel

Abstract

Hydration of cementitious materials is accompanied by the formation of calcium hydrosilicates (CSH). Accordingly, the hydration process is completed in the early, middle and late periods, leading to the formation of two types of CSH phases: low density (LD) and high density (HD). Using the nanoindentation method, it was explained nanogranular nature of the CSH gel, which is due to the contact forces of the CSH gel particles for these phases.