Simulation on Mixed-Control of Dissolution and Boundary Nucleation and Growth Mechanisms of Tricalcium Silicate

The C3S hydration, like any other hydration reaction, involves the following unit processes: (1) reactions at the phase boundaries; (2) nucleation; (3) transport of mass through diffusion; and (4) crystal growth. These unit processes can occur simultaneously and interact with each other, making the whole hydration process rather complex and therefore bringing great challenges for understanding the hydration mechanisms of C3S and cement. So far, the mechanisms controlling the induction period and main hydration peak in C3S hydration have not been fully understood.