Hydration of cement is a chemical reaction between cement particles and water. This process occurs primarily through two mechanisms: through-solution and topochemical. In the through-solution process, anhydrous compounds dissolve into their constituents, hydrates form in the solution, and then precipitate from the supersaturated solution. The topochemical process involves solid-state reactions at the cement particle surface. The through-solution process dominates the topochemical process at the...

The soundness of cement refers to the ability of cement paste to retain its volume after setting. Unsound cement can lead to expansion and structural damage due to the presence of free lime, magnesia, and calcium sulfate. Free lime hydrates very slowly, expanding and causing unsoundness, which is difficult to detect because it intercrystallizes with other compounds. Magnesia also reacts with water, forming crystals that can disrupt the cement's structure. Calcium sulfate can create...

This paper describes a novel method for the rapid manufacture of high quality bioinspired nanoscale hydroxyapatite. This biomaterial is of great significance in the manufacture of a wide range of innovative medical devices for clinical applications in orthopedics, craniofacial surgery and dentistry.

Novel nanocomposites of graphene nanoribbons and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were prepared using solution-phase synthesis. These hybrids when employed in bioactive scaffolds can exhibit potential applications in tissue engineering and bone...

Portland cement is the essential binding ingredient in concrete, made from finely ground materials including lime, iron, silica, and alumina. Lime is derived primarily from limestone, marble, marl, seashells, and clays, which also supply iron and alumina, while silica is sourced from sand, chalk, and bauxite. Contemporary manufacturing of Portland cement is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, prompting research into reducing its content in concrete through alternative...

The fineness of cement directly influences the rate of hydration, as the hydration begins at the surface of the cement particles. In addition to hydration, the fineness of cement is vital for various properties of concrete including workability, gypsum requirement, and long-term behavior. The fineness of cement is represented in terms of the specific surface of cement which is typically measured in square meters per kilogram, with several methods available for this determination.
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