Calcium Aluminates – Proceedings of the International Conference 2022
The book comprises the proceedings of an International Conference held on the 18–20 July 2022 at the Genome Centre, Hinxton Hall, Cambridge, UK.
These cements have been used and researched for over 170 years and it might be assumed all that needed to be known was a matter of record. However, that is clearly not the case and variants of calcium aluminate cements (CACs) are being actively researched, developed and used to advantage. This book gives tangible science-based evidence, cataloguing what in many ways is a unique material.
The book contains 540 pages; 9 parts that of themselves contain 50 presentations. The range of topics is substantial, examples being chemical types, production, the kinetic chemistry of hydration covering both binary and ternary systems. The latter also using calcined clays. The subject is complex, but the written text is clear, detailed and very well presented.
It is interesting that combinations of calcium aluminates and calcium sulfate are used to accelerate the setting and strength of Portland cement (PC)-based mixes. Similar combinations using alginates and polysaccharides also impart acceleration and can be used to advantage.
The long-term durability of CACs has been questioned and this topic is not ignored. The addition of pulverised fuel ash to such combinations can give better long-term performance than PC for strength, fire and chemical resistance as well as corrosion suppression in aggressive marine environments.
The actual and potential applications of these materials are substantial; in particular, in biogenic situations such as sewers.
CACs are both versatile and in some of the situations mentioned, they are unique.
At £125.00, the book may seem costly but is good value and will have widespread appeal and relevance to designers, specifiers, contractors as well as academics and students of material science.
