A REVIEW OF THE APPLICATION OF THERMAL-ANALYSIS TO CEMENT ADMIXTURE SYSTEMS

The application of thermal analysis in the investigation of the role of chemical admixtures in cement hydration is reviewed. The relevant literature published on DTA, TG and DTG techniques during the past two decades has covered both the kinetic and mechanism aspects of cement hydration, with or without the presence of accelerators, retarders/water reducers and plasticizers. Two vital components of cement, namely C3S and C3A, have been of particular interest to researchers, C3S being the major compound controlling the overall hydration, and C3A being the most reactive component controlling the initial setting of the cement. Modifications of various products that develop in cement pastes in the presence of admixtures as monitored by thermal analysis are quoted frequently in this review in order to elucidate the mechanism of the action of admixtures on the cement hydration.