Experimental investigation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) nucleation

Due to the importance of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in cement chemistry, its nucleation mode and parameters influencing it were investigated. It has been observed that the C-S-H nucleation follows the general laws governing the nucleation. The degree of supersaturation has been found to be the main parameter controlling homogeneous nucleation rates. The lime concentration in solution, well known to be the most important parameter determining the kinetic, morphological and structural features of C-S-H, also controls the nucleation characteristics of heterogeneous nucleation, i.e, during hydration of cement. The correlation between heterogeneous nucleation of C-S-H and possible final mechanical properties of cement paste has been well established. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.