Analysis of cubic and orthorhombic CA hydration in presence of gypsum and lime.

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to study the microstructural changes and phase development that take place during the hydration of cubic (pure) and orthorhombic (Na-doped) tricalcium aluminate (CA) and gypsum in the absence and presence of lime. The results demonstrate that important differences occur in the hydration of each CA polymorph and gypsum when no lime is added; orthorhombic CA reacts faster with gypsum than the cubic phase, forming longer ettringite needles; however, the presence of lime slows down the formation of ettringite in the orthorhombic sample. Additional rheometric tests showed the possible effects on the setting time in these cementitious mixes.