A conceptual model of the cement hydration process

Cement hydration development has been analyzed on the basis of measured data obtained by the microcalorimetrical method. Based on the most appropriate model assumed, thermokinetic analysis has been carried out for the polymineral and polysize system tested on industrial cement samples. A computer program has been developed to determine specific kinetic parameters describing individual hydration processes. The program makes it possible to determine the controlling processes during hydration and their share. Certain kinetic parameters make it possible to observe differences in hydration of pure clinker minerals and of Portland cement in a subtler way. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.