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Most concrete is produced using calcium (alkali) aluminosilicate hydrate (C-(N-)A-S-H)-based cement. However, the chemistry of this phase in many cement-based materials is still not fully understood. This thesis presents a structural and thermodynamic investigation of C-(N-)A-S-H and C-(N-)A-S-H-based cements to provide insight into the chemistry of these materials. A mixed cross-linked and non-cross-linked tobermorite-like structural model for C-(N)-A-S-H is developed (the CSTM), which more appropriately describes the spectroscopic information available for this phase. Application of the CSTM to a Na2SiO3-activated slag cement cured for 56 and 180 days indicates the presence of a poorly-crystalline zeolite-like phase. The role of Al in cross-linking of C-(N-)A-S-H is also studied, which provides a more advanced description of the chemistry and structure of C-(N-)A-S-H than previously reported. A thermodynamic model for C-(N-)A-S-H (CNASH_ss) is derived, which greatly advances the utility of thermodynamic modelling of C-(N-)A-S-H-based cements by explicitly defining Al and alkali uptake in this phase. The chemistry of alkali-activated slag (AAS)-based cements is simulated using CNASH_ss and an ideal solid solution thermodynamic model for MgAl-OH-LDH that is also developed in the thesis. This analysis provides a good description of Na2SiO3-activated slag cement chemistry and accurately predicts chemical shrinkage in this material. Phase diagrams for NaOH, Na2SiO3, Na2Si2O5 and Na2CO3-activated slag-based cements are also simulated. These results can be used to design the chemistry of AAS-based materials. A detailed analysis of C-(N-)A-S-H solubility is presented, for Ca, Al, Si and alkali concentrations most relevant to C-(N-)A-S-H-based cements and at temperatures of 7-80°C. Solubility products for alkali-free C-(N-)A-S-H change slightly between 7°C and 80°C and as a function of Al/Si ratio. However, less soluble C-(N-)A-S-H is formed at higher Ca and alkali content. These results are important for understanding the stability of C-(N-)A-S-H in the majority of cement-based materials used worldwide. |
