Alkaline Hydration Of C2S and C3S

What is it about?

This study analysed the behaviour of two laboratory-synthesised calcium silicates, C3S and C2S, after hydration in 8 M NaOH and in water as a control. The results showed that hydrating C3S in a highly alkaline medium had no significant effect on the mechanical development of the material, whereas in C2S hydration, that medium hastened hydration substantially, impacting setting and hardening times.

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Why is it important?

This finding has technological implications, given the low early age reactivity of dicalcium silicate under normal hydration conditions.