Nanostructure and nanomechanics of cement: polydisperse colloidal packing

Cement setting and cohesion are governed by the precipitation and growth of calcium-silicate-hydrate, through a complex evolution of microstructure. A colloidal model to describe nucleation, packing, and rigidity of calcium-silicate-hydrate aggregates is proposed. Polydispersity and particle size de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2012-10, Vol.109 (15), p.155503-155503, Article 155503
Main Authors: Masoero, E, Del Gado, E, Pellenq, R J-M, Ulm, F-J, Yip, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Physics
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Summary:Cement setting and cohesion are governed by the precipitation and growth of calcium-silicate-hydrate, through a complex evolution of microstructure. A colloidal model to describe nucleation, packing, and rigidity of calcium-silicate-hydrate aggregates is proposed. Polydispersity and particle size dependent cohesion strength combine to produce a spectrum of packing fractions and of corresponding elastic properties that can be tested against nanoindentation experiments. Implications regarding plastic deformations and reconciling current structural characterizations are discussed.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.109.155503