Thermodynamic modeling

Thermodynamic modeling of hydration

The hydration of cements can be assumed to take place via dissolution and precipitation processes. Coupling of thermodynamic modelling with a set of kinetic equations which described the dissolution of the clinker, can predict quantitatively the amount of hydrates as a function of the time and temperature of hydration: A set of empirical expressions is used to estimate the degree of dissolution of each clinker mineral as a function of time. Based on the composition of the cement and thermodynamic modelling the quantities of and volumes of hydrates form can be calculated. The quantities of ettringite, portlandite and amorphous phase as determined by TGA and XRD agree generally well with the calculated amounts of these phases after different periods of time. The findings as documented in different papers show that changes in the bulk composition of hydrating cements can be followed by coupled hydration - thermodynamic models. Comparison between experimental and modelled data helps to understand in more detail the dominating processes during cement hydration.

This approach has been successfully applied to study the hydration of Portland cements, alkali activated slags, supersulfated slags, calcium aluminate calcium aluminate cements and calcium sulfoaluminate cements as well as to blended cements containing limestone, fly ash, slag, or metakaolin. 

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Measured + modeled changes during the hydration of a Portland cement
Important publications
Prof. Dr. Barbara Lothenbach

Prof. Dr. Barbara Lothenbach
Senior Researcher / Projektleiterin / Adjunct Prof. NTNU

Phone: +41 58 765 4788


Dr. Frank Winnefeld

Dr. Frank Winnefeld
Group Leader Construction Chemistry

Phone: +41 58 765 4535