Experimental techniques for studying hydration reactions of calcium aluminates Available to Purchase

Methods are described for studying the hydration reactions of calcium aluminates extracted from cement clinkers. The extraction method uses a maleic acid/methanol treatment, followed by aqueous ammonium chloride. Hydration time is controlled by stopping the hydration reaction by immersing the specimen in cold nitrogen vapour. Early-age morphological data are obtained by scanning electron microscopy, and the reaction rate is quantified by an X-ray diffraction procedure, provided that atmospheric carbon dioxide is excluded from the sample.