C-S-H hydrate

High Ca/Si ratio

A method to extract C-S-H structure with Ca/Si≥1.7 from XRD, revealing unique structural and morphological features under varying curing temperatures and clinker compositions.

Baoshan, Guo · Pang, Xueyu · Yu, Yongjin · Wei, Jianqiang · Xia, Xiujian · Lv, Kaihe · Sun, Jinsheng

Construction and Building Materials 2026

Specifications

Ca/Si ratio

{'zh': '≥1.7', 'en': '≥1.7'}

Interlayer spacing

{'zh': '11', 'en': '11'} ± 0.6 Å

Maximum crystallite size

{'zh': '24.2', 'en': '24.2'} nm

Advantages

Extracts high Ca/Si C-S-H structure

The iterative fitting method resolves the diffraction contribution of C-S-H with Ca/Si≥1.7 from heavily overlapping XRD patterns, providing reliable quantitative information.

Results independently validated

Thermogravimetric analysis is used as a cross-check to validate the accuracy of the XRD-derived model, ensuring agreement with weight loss data.

Provides reference data for various compositions

Covers six alite/belite ratios and curing temperatures from 5 to 90°C, providing XRD patterns that serve as references for quantitative analysis and molecular modeling of C-S-H in various calcium silicate cements.

Applications

• cement hydration modeling：Provide XRD reference patterns and structural parameters for high Ca/Si C-S-H to calibrate hydration models.
• cementitious material design：Guide control of C-S-H structure and morphology via clinker composition and curing temperature to optimize performance.
• concrete durability：Use C-S-H structural features (interlayer spacing, crystallite size) to assess hydrate stability and its impact on durability.