Synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate nanoparticles and their effect on cement hydration and compressive strength

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) nanoparticles at room temperature using a liquid-phase reaction method, to incorporate the synthesized material into a cement composite, and to study its hydration characteristics. The optimal amount of polycarboxylate-based dispersant, in terms of nanocrystal size and CSH particle aggregation state, was obtained using scanning electron microscopy. The concentration of the generated harmful ions during the synthesis was reduced via a cleaning procedure. The experiments confirmed that the CSH nanoparticles acted as nucleation sites. Moreover, the initial hydration calorific value and early-age compressive strength increased with the amount of CSH nanoparticles.