Effects of sodium/calcium cation exchange on the mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H)

Yohannes Lim Yaphary, Denvid Lau, Florence Sanchez, Chi Sun Poon

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Calcium silicate hydrate layer (C-S-Hlayer) is considered to be the fundamental building block of hydrated cement. The effect of sodium ions on the atomic scale mechanical properties of C-S-Hlayer remains, however, unclear. Yet, this information is critical for understanding and predicting the macroscopic performance of concrete structures during their service life. Herein, the intrinsic mechanical properties of C-S-Hlayer with sodium-exchange ions replacing some calcium cations were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The interatomic interactions provided insights into the role of Na+ within the atomistic scale of C-S-Hlayer. It was found that Na+ did not significantly alter the mechanical properties (i.e., strength and stiffness) of C-S-Hlayer. The larger cationic attraction on the interlayer water molecules seen in the presence of Na+ occurred due to the exchange of two Na+ for one calcium cation and resulted in a volume expansion of C-S-Hlayer while a stiffening of its interlayer.

Original languageEnglish
Article number118283
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume243
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 May 2020

Keywords

  • Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H)
  • Mechanical properties
  • Molecular dynamics simulations
  • Portland cement
  • Sodium-exchange cation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Materials Science(all)

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