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Project Leader
Jon Makar
Phone: 613-993-3797
Fax: 613-954-5984
Email: Jon.Makar@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Cement Hydration at the Nanoscale
Objectives
To investigate the hydration behaviour of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) through use of nanotechnologies, in order to optimize the performance of OPCs and supplementary cementing materials (SCMs).
Background
Recent advances in scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conduction calorimetry, and other analytical techniques now provide an opportunity to re-examine the fundamentals of cement hydration, which may lead to significant improvements in cement performance.
Ettringite crystals (rods) and nanometric pores in the surface of a grain of ordinary Portland cement
Progress to Date
This project compares results from various analytic techniques including cold field emission SEM, differential scanning calorimetry, and high-resolution conduction calorimetry in order to investigate how cement hydration occurs. Initial work has shown that the end of the induction period during cement hydration, there is an initial, identifiable period of surface reactions.
Work Remaining
Work is currently underway on the effects of supplementary cementing materials on the hydration process, methods of sample preparation that minimize nanoscale damage to sample surfaces, and the effect of non-cementitious nanoparticles on hydration behaviour.
Expected Outcomes
An improved understanding of hydration processes (particularly with respect to the induction period), and of interactions between OPC and chemical admixtures and between OPC and SCMs. The results of the project will be used to provide data to support investigation and modelling of bulk hydration behaviour as well as engineering properties of bulk concrete construction materials.
Partners
NRC-IRC is currently seeking partners for this research project.
Start/Expected Completion Dates
This project started in October 2005 and will continue for several years.
