Experimental techniques for studying hydration reactions of calcium aluminates

Synopsis 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.