Hypothetical transformation of Ca(OH)₂ into CaCO₃ in solid-state reactions of portland cement

Summary

Previous study of the hydration and ageing products of two cement pastes created the basis for the postulate of the course of solid-state reactions between the portlandite Ca(OH)₂ and the CO₂ from air in the hydrated and air dry cement. XRD basal spacing d(001) of portlandite exceeded the nominal value and increased with ageing, with the wetting and drying procedure and with carbonate content of the paste, indicating that a part of OH^- ions was gradually substituted by CO₃^2- ions, which are about twice bigger. IR spectroscopy showed a considerable content of portlandite, of CO₃^2- of water and silicates. Also HCO₃^- H₂O and CO₂ in cavities between hexagonal rings and hexagonal hydrates were indicated. By MS (mass spectrometry) in vacuum the evaporation of sorbed water was detected at 100-120°C, of gel water at 350°C of portlandite water at 400°C and of high temperature water between 500 and 700°C, simultaneously with CO₂ escape. Slightly higher peak temperatures were found by the TG test either in air or in argon. From these results and from geometric considerations it is postulated that the solid-state reactions take place on ageing of the cement paste and on its heating: hexagonal portlandite→calcium carbonate hydroxy hydrate→calcium carbonate hydrate→hexagonal vaterite and/or orthorhombic aragonite→rhombohedral calcite The analysis of the standard files of the calcium carbonate hydroxy hydrates supports this postulate and indicates a gradual transformation.