Structure, Formation, Properties, and Application of Calcium and Magnesium Silicate Hydrates System—A Review

In order to expand the advantages of strong durability and high compressive strength of calcium silicate hydrates(C-S-H),at the same time to make up for the poor early mechanical strength of magnesium silicate hydrates (M-S-H),we present the features and advantages of C-S-H and M-S-H and a comprehensive review of the progress on CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O.Moreover,we systematically describe natural calcium and magnesium silicate minerals and thermodynamic properties of CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O.The effect of magnesium on C-S-H and calcium on M-S-H is summarized deeply;the formation and structural feature of CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O is also explained in detail.Finally,the development of calcium and magnesium silicate hydrates in the future is pointed out,and the further research is discussed and estimated.

Crystallization Characteristic of Periclase in Clinker and Effect of Mg2+ on Hydrate of Cement Pastes

Crystallization characteristic of periclase in clinker and effect of Mg^2+ on hydrate of cement pastes were investigated. Morphologies and relative content of periclase were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Derivative thermogravimetry analysis and backscattered electron imaging were used to characterize the effect of Mg^2+ on hydrate of cement pastes. The experimental results show that in ample space, periclase forms octahedron structure, and subhedral or anhedral crystal is formed in limited space. Due to the accelerated burning temperature and prolonged holding time, coarse pericalase crystals are formed. Mg(OH)2 particle thickness increases due to faster crystal growth rate along c axis at later age. Mg^2+can substitute Ca^2+ in C-S-H or C-A-H to form magnesium silicate hydrate(M-S-H) or magnesium aluminate hydrate(M-A-H), and the substitution extent for C-A-H is higher than that for C-S-H. Cured in 80 ℃ water, the decalcification rate of C-A-H in pastes is higher than that cured in 50 ℃ water. M-A-H with an atomic Mg/Al ratio of 2 is formed through substitution of Ca by Mg in C-A-H.

The Reaction Mechanism between MgO and Microsilica at Room Temperature

It was proved that MgO and MicroSilica can react at room temperature, giving a hardened product primarily comprised of Mg （ OH ）2 and Magnesium Silicate Hydrate （ M- S- H ）. The reaction ratio and process and the chemical composion of M- S- H were studied and analyzed by QXRD and DTA- TG. The experimental results indicate that much Mg（ OH）2 and less M-S-H were formed at early period. After 7 days there is no change in the quantity of Mg（ OH）2, while M-S-H was increased slowly. The chemical composion of M-S-H would vary with the mix proportion in the hydrution process , but M1.32 SH2.37 is finally the approximute form.

Reaction Products of MgO and Microsilica Cementitious Materials at Different Temperatures

The paste was prepared by mixing MgO, microsilica and H2O in the presence of water reducer at different reaction ratios and temperatures, and characterized by XRD, DTA, TGA, IR, and solid-state 29Si NMR. The experimental results showed that, besides Mg（OH）2, magnesium silicate hydrate （M-S-H） was formed at a low temperature such as 25 and 50 ℃. At a high temperature of 100 ℃, Mg（OH）2 can be further transformed into M-S-H completely, for instance, within ca. 1 month in an excess of microsilica. The average composition and structure of M-S-H was mainly related to the reaction mixture and curing temperature and was discussed in detail.