Direct observation of cement hydration by soft X-ray transmission microscopy

• Published in: Journal of materials science letters Vol. 22; no. 19; pp. 1335 - 1337
• Main Authors: JUENGER, M. C. G, LAMOUR, V. H. R, MONTEIRO, P. J. M, GARTNER, E. M, DENBEAUX, G. P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Kluwer Academic Publishers 01.10.2003
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Cement concrete constituents; Cements; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Properties and test methods; Properties of anhydrous and hydrated cement, test methods; Observation; Transmission microscope; Hydration; Soft X ray; Portland cement; C3S phase

Much of the mystery surrounding C-S-H can be attributed to its variability, but also to the inadequacy of observation and analytical techniques. Direct observation is inherently flawed because microscopy techniques that allow high enough resolution generally require destructive drying of the sample....