Application of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy in Concrete Hydration

Abstract

The hydration mechanism has always been a hot and difficult research topic in cement chemistry. The application of modern analytical instruments has greatly developed people's understanding of the cement hydration process. At present, people have a relatively consistent understanding of the main characteristics of hydration, but there are still significant differences in the interpretation of details, especially the explanation of the reactions that occur in the first few hours of hydration. The practical significance of studying early hydration of cement lies in understanding the formation law of cement microstructure, and the changes in microstructure are of great significance for controlling the development of early strength of cement, and will ultimately affect the various properties of Portland cement and the concrete mixed with it. The early hydration process of Portland cement was continuously observed using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Describe the early hydration process of Portland cement into four stages: pre induction period, induction period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and stabilization period.