The microstructural and compositional changes within the cement paste exposed to high temperatures were monitored by XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA and SEM techniques to understand the nature of decomposition of C-S-H gel and the...The microstructural and compositional changes within the cement paste exposed to high temperatures were monitored by XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA and SEM techniques to understand the nature of decomposition of C-S-H gel and the associated physicomechanical properties of thermally damaged cement paste. OPC paste (w/c ratio 0.27) was hydrated for 28 days then fired up to 750°C for 2 hours (heating rate 10°C/min). The relative mass percent of calcium hydrates and portlandite was estimated by calculations derived from TGA results. Beyond 450°C, the percentage of portlandite sharply diminishes and C-S-H progressively decomposes into C2S and C3S until complete loss of calcium hydrates content occurs at 750°C. An increase of the total porosity, severe loss in mechanical strength and propagation of harmful cracks occurs. The thermal shock as a result of cooling of the heated cement paste and the rehydration of lime enhance the propagation of harmful cracks.展开更多
文摘The microstructural and compositional changes within the cement paste exposed to high temperatures were monitored by XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA and SEM techniques to understand the nature of decomposition of C-S-H gel and the associated physicomechanical properties of thermally damaged cement paste. OPC paste (w/c ratio 0.27) was hydrated for 28 days then fired up to 750°C for 2 hours (heating rate 10°C/min). The relative mass percent of calcium hydrates and portlandite was estimated by calculations derived from TGA results. Beyond 450°C, the percentage of portlandite sharply diminishes and C-S-H progressively decomposes into C2S and C3S until complete loss of calcium hydrates content occurs at 750°C. An increase of the total porosity, severe loss in mechanical strength and propagation of harmful cracks occurs. The thermal shock as a result of cooling of the heated cement paste and the rehydration of lime enhance the propagation of harmful cracks.
