Micro-Raman spectroscopy in white portland cement hydration:: long-term study at room temperature

The long-term hydration of white portland cement has been followed through micro-Raman spectroscopy, choosing for excitation the most adequate laser wavelength as deduced from a critical analysis of the previously reported Raman data. The bands of the corresponding spectra were attributed to the various anhydrous and hydrated phases, with full hydration of the anhydrous phases taking place after 180 days. Sulphoaluminates were seen to form in two different local environments, at 3 and 180 days respectively. Carbonates, as a secondary reaction product, were found in three different local environments. Copyright (C) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.