Synchrotron radiation XRPD study on the early hydration of cements

Synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction has been used to monitor the evolution of hydrous phases during the first hours of the hydration process on synthetic clinker phases and on commercial cements. In order to collect data as soon as water is added to the system, the hydration of the paste was achieved using a remote controlled system. The data were quantitatively analysed via full-profile Rietveld method. The results of quantitative analysis (phase composition) and the lattice parameters determination are very useful to obtain detailed information on the structural evolution of the hydrous phases, in particular during the early stages of the hydration processes.