Effect of Adding Monohydrocalcite on the Microstructural Change in Cement Hydration

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Portland cement (OPC) is a key construction material.
• Mineral carbonation offers sustainable additive alternatives.
• Monohydrocalcite (MHC) is a mineral carbonation product with potential cement applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of monohydrocalcite (MHC) as an additive in Portland cement (OPC).
• To analyze the impact of MHC on cement hydration and microstructural development.
• To evaluate the long-term effects and new phase formation in MHC-cement composites.

Main Methods:

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for chemical composition analysis.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural investigation.
• Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) for hydration behavior monitoring.

Main Results:

• Monohydrocalcite (MHC) enhances the cement hydration process.
• MHC addition may lead to increased long-term strength gain in cement.
• Formation of tilleyite, a new phase, observed in MHC-cement at later curing ages.

Conclusions:

• Monohydrocalcite (MHC) acts as an effective additive for Portland cement (OPC).
• MHC influences cement hydration, microstructure, and promotes long-term strength.
• The formation of tilleyite indicates novel chemical reactions and potential for advanced cementitious materials.