Phase development and hydration kinetics of belite-calcium sulfoaluminate cements at different curing temperatures

The influence of different curing temperatures on the hydration of belite-calcium sulfoaluminate cement was investigated at 20, 40 and 60 °C. The hydration kinetics and the hydrated phase assemblages were studied by isothermal calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, as well as field emission scanning electron microscopy. The compressive strength development of the cement pastes was also determined. Results showed that, at early ages, hydration was faster and early compressive strength was higher at elevated temperatures than at ambient temperature. On the other hand, at late ages in cement pastes cured at 60 °C, the amount of ettringite decreased, leading to lower compressive strength, indicating that the degree of hydration was lower at higher temperatures. Moreover, at elevated temperatures prismatic ettringite crystals became smaller due to faster hydration. Other hydration products present were aluminium hydroxide, which is formed together with ettringite from the hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate and gypsum, and C–S–H which precipitates as a main hydration product of belite. Belite hydrated in a lesser amount, especially at 60 °C, when the lowest amount of C–S–H was observed.