Dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis of layered calcium silicate hydrates

Dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis (DMTA) was conducted on compacted specimens of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H), 1.4 nm tobermorite, jennite, and compacted hydrated Portland cement paste powders, as well as hardened cement paste. The synthetic silicates are key elements for compositional models of the hydrated calcium silicates present in cement paste. The study focuses on the nanostructural effects due to the removal of water from the 11 % RH condition. The DMTA results (E′ and tan? versus temperature curves) in the 25–110 °C range mimicked those of DMA (E′ and tan? versus mass loss curves) conducted at room temperature for C-S-H and cement paste. In addition, the DMTA curves for 1.4 nm tobermorite and jennite in the temperature range 110–300 °C were sensitive to phase changes including the transition of 1.4 nm tobermorite to 1.1 nm tobermorite and other forms, as well as the transition of jennite to metajennite. The DMTA curves of a 50/50 mixture of 1.4 nm tobermorite and jennite exhibit similarities and differences to that of hydrated cement paste that are influenced by porosity and the amorphous nature of C-S-H in the cement paste. The study provides useful data for evaluating Taylor’s concept of a possible tobermorite-jennite model for the C-S-H present in hydrated cement paste.     

EXAFS study of U(VI) uptake by calcium silicate hydrates

Among the different cement minerals, calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) are the prime candidates for heavy metal binding because of their abundance and appropriate structure. Immobilization processes of heavy metals by cementitious materials, and in particular C-S-H phases, thus play an important role in multibarrier concepts developed worldwide for the safe disposal of hazardous and radioactive wastes. In this study, the uptake of U(VI) by C-S-H has been investigated using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. C-S-H phases were synthesized using two different procedures: One is based on the mixing of CaO and SiO2 solids ("direct reaction" method); for the other one starting solutions of Ca and Si are used ("solution reaction" method). XAFS investigations were carried out on samples doped with U(VI). U(VI) was either sorbed onto previously precipitated C-S-H phases (sorption samples) or added during C-S-H synthesis (coprecipitation samples). The coordination environment of U(VI) in the sorption samples was found to be independent of the procedure used for C-S-H synthesis. A split equatorial oxygen shell (Oeq1: R=2.23-2.27 A; Oeq2: R=2.36-2.45 A), neighboring silicon atoms at short (R=3.07-3.11 A) and long (R=3.71-3.77 A) distances, and neighboring Ca atoms (R=3.77-3.81 and 4.15-4.29 A) were observed for all the samples. The structural parameters resemble those reported for uranophane. The coordination environment of U(VI) in the coprecipitation samples depends on the method used for C-S-H synthesis, and further, the spectra differ from those determined for the sorption samples. UU backscattering contributions were observed in the samples prepared using the direct reaction method, whereas no split equatorial shell appeared in the samples prepared using the solution reaction method.     

Isomorphous substitution of silicon by boron in layered sodium silicate hydrates

To investigate the influence of boron on the crystallization process and the substitution of silicon by boron in silicate layers, layered sodium silicate hydrates (Na-SH) have been synthesized hydrothermally from a boron-containing mixture. XRD measurements confirm the high crystallinity of the synthesized Na-SH.¹¹B MAS NMR measurements indicate that boron is incorporated luto the silicate layers instead of silicon atoms.     

Electrokinetic properties of calcium aluminate hydrates

Summary The surface charge of Ca₃Al₂(OH)₁₂ in water and NaOH solutions is negative when the solution is saturated towards this compound. When Ca₃A₁₂(OH)₁₂ is formed during the reaction of Ca₃A₁₂O₆ with water and NaOH solutions a positive surface charge is present. This positive charge is also found for other hydrates existing during this reaction; it indicates a disturbed surface layer with excess Ca²⁺ ions on the solid. Further it was shown that the absolute value of the surface charge calculated with the change of the activity coefficient in the diffuse double-layer taken into account is smaller than calculated with the equation without this correction.

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Zusammenfassung Die Oberflächenladung Von Ca₃A₁₂(OH)₁₂ in Wasser oder NaOH-Lösungen ist negativ, wenn die Lösung gegenüber der Verbindung gesättigt ist. Dagegen hat Ca₃A₁₂(OH)₁₂, wenn es während der Reaktion von Ca₃A₁₂O₆ mit Wasser oder NaOH-Lösungen entsteht, eine positive Oberflächenladung. Diese positive Ladung wird auch gefunden bei anderen Hydraten, die während dieser Reaktion entstehen; dieses deutet auf eine gestörte Oberflächenschicht mit einem Überschuß an Ca²⁺-Ionen. Der absolute Wert der berechneten Oberflächenladung wird anders, wenn für die Veränderung des Aktivitätskoeffizienten in der diffusen Doppelschicht korrigiert wird.

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With 6 figures and 2 tables     

Theoretical study of the calcium dication hydrates

Ab initio SCF calculations have been carried out for calcium dication surrounded by 1–4 or 6 water molecules using several basis sets. The structure of the hydrated ions is examined and the hydration energy estimated. The changes in the structure of water within the complex are qualitatively explained in terms of charge transfer and coulombic interactions among the atoms. Finally, the influence of electron correlations is discussed.     

Strontium binding properties of inorganic adsorbents

A comparison of strontium sorption on synthetic inorganic ion exchangers and zeolites from 0.01M CaCl₂ solution, sea water and an artificial foodstuff fluid has been carried out in batch and column experiments. It was found that some adsorbents among the groups manganese dioxides, mixed titanium-manganese oxides, antimony-based materials and synthetic zeolites had the highest selectivity to strontium (K _d >1000). These adsorbents are interesting for further investigation concerning their use for radiostrontium decontamination of foodstuffs (if nontoxic), as well as for analytical purposes.     

Studies of conversion progress of calcium aluminate cement hydrates by thermal analysis method

This article presents the investigations of the progress of conversion process of calcium aluminate hydrates formed during hydration of calcium aluminate cement at various temperature conditions occurring over time by thermal analysis method. Moreover, the differences of microstructure were also confirmed by SEM/EDS studies and X-ray diffraction analysis. On the basis of the obtained results, it is concluded that thermal analysis method is a very attractive and useful way to identify the structure of hydrated calcium aluminate cement matrix and allows estimating the degree of the conversion at different times of various process conditions. The conversion process of metastable calcium aluminate hydrates into stable hydrogarnet and gibbsite is strictly temperature dependent and could be completed at different times. Acceleration of the conversion is caused not only by the increasing external temperature of storage, but also the temperature inside the sample is very important. The self-heating, which could be strong in large sample, and occurring during first few hours of hydration of calcium aluminate cement, initiates the transformation.     

Adsorption of cellulose triacetate on calcium silicate

Adsorption of cellulose triacetate from its chloroform solution on calcium silicate has been studied. The adsorption follows first order kinetics. The adsorption data are adequately described by the Langmuir isotherm indicating that the adsorbed polymer molecules behave as rigid molecules in the adsorbed state. An attempt has been made to fractionate cellulose triacetate employing the adsorption technique.     

Nano-structured calcium silicate hydrate functionalised with iodine

Nano-structured calcium silicate hydrate can physisorb or chemisorb iodine, making it interesting for medical or materials science applications, where a slow, controlled release of iodine is desired. It was found that iodine can be sorbed and released by applying the elemental halogen in solution, either as a gas or as a solid. At ambient temperatures the sorption and desorption process is quantitative and physical, meaning that the same amount of iodine is taken up and released. At temperatures above 32.5 °C (305.7 K) iodine reacts with the calcium silicate hydrate forming a complex, which is stable above the sublimation temperature of iodine. The formation energy for the iodine calcium silicate hydrate complex was established to be 41.8 ± 0.8 kJ mol⁻¹ by calorimetry and the nature of the complex was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.     

Characterization of 40-year-old calcium silicate pastes by thermal methods and other techniques

Differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and evolved gas analysis, as well as the X-ray diffraction, were used to identify and to quantify the products of dicalcium silicate hydration. The samples were 38 years stored in laboratory conditions. The calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and calcium silicate hydrate contents were determined and discussed in terms of the specific properties of initial anhydrous phases used.

     

CO2 adsorption on calcium silicate hydrate gel synthesized by double decomposition method

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The calcium silicate hydrate gel (C–S–H) was synthesized by the double decomposition method because of the simplicity and the quickness of...     

Comportement thermique des propionates hydrates de calcium,strontium et baryum

Résumé Les propionates monohydratés de calcium, strontium et baryum ont été étudiés par radiocristallographie (sur monocristal et sur poudre) et par TG et ATD (à l'air et en milieu inerte). Ils cristallisent dans les systèmes monoclinique (Ca) ou orthorhombique (Sr, Ba). Ils perdent leur eau en une fois (Ca, Sr) ou deux fois (Ba) avec formation d'un hémihydrate intermédiaire. Tous les sels anhydres, d'abord amorphes aux rayons X, cristallisent vers 200°. Le propionate de baryum anhydre cristallisé subit une transformation polymorphique à 240°. Après 300° à l'air et 350° sous atmosphère inerte, la fusion et la décomposition se produisent simultanément: il y a dégagement de diéthylcétone et le résidu solide est du carbonate métallique bien cristallisé.

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The monohydrates of calcium, strontium and barium propionates have been investigated by radiocrystallography (using monocrystals and the powder method) and by TG and DTA (in air and in an inert atmosphere). These compounds crystallize in the monoclinic system (Ca) or the orthorhombic system (Sr, Ba). Dehydration occurs in a single stage for calcium and strontium propionates and in two stages for barium propionate. The compound Ba(C₂H₅CO₂) 0.5 H₂O is well-defined. All the anhydrous salts, first amorphous to X-rays, crystallize at about 200°. Barium propionate undergoes another phase transition at 240°. Melting and simultaneous decomposition take place after 300° in air and after 350° in an inert atmosphere, leading to evolution of diethylketone and to a solid residue of well-crystallized metal carbonate.

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Zusammenfassung Die Propionatmonohydrate von Calcium, Strontium und Barium wurden mittels Radiokristallographie (an Einkristallen und an Pulver), sowie mittels TG und DTA (in Luft und in inertem Medium) untersucht. Sie kristallisieren in monoklinen (Ca) oder orthorhombischen (Sr, Ba) Systemen. Sie verlieren ihr Kristallwasser auf einmal (Ca, Sr) oder zweimal (Ba) unter Bildung eines intermediären Hemihydrats. Sämtliche Anhydrosalze, welche sich zuerst bei Röntgenbestrahlung amorph verhalten, kristallisieren in der Nähe von 200°. Das kristalline wasserfreie Bariumpropionat erfährt eine polymorphe Änderung bei 240°. Nach 300° in Luft und 350° in inerter Atmosphäre treten Schmelzen und Zersetzung gleichzeitig auf: Diäthylaceton wird freigesetzt und der feste Rückstand besteht aus kristallinem Metallcarbonat.

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, , , . - () — Sr, Ba. , — . (₂₅)₂. 0,5₂. 200°. 240° . 300° 350° , .

     

The titrimetric determination of calcium and magnesium in silicate rocks

A cation-exchange scheme is described for the separation of calcium and magnesium from interfering elements in rapid silicate analysis. Interfering elements can be eluted from the ammonium form of Zeo-Karb 225 with a solution of the ammonium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at pH 4.5. Calcium and magnesium are not eluted with this reagent but can be eluted consecutively with ammonium chloride solution and titrated photometrically with EDTA. Calcium and magnesium can be separated quantitatively from Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mo, Ni, U, V, rare earths, and Zn.     

Thermal study of calcium silicate material synthesized with solid wastes

This work focuses on the thermal characterization of a calcium silicate-based material synthesized with different solid wastes (chamotte and marble) for use as thermal insulation material. Thermal and structural changes occurring during heating were accompanied by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, dilatometric analysis, open photoacoustic cell technique, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy. An endothermic event at 823.2 °C was interpreted as decomposition of carbonates. An exothermic event around 900 °C is associated with the crystallization of calcium silicate phases mainly wollastonite. The themophysical properties of the calcium silicate-based material (thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, specific thermal capacity, and thermal effusivity) are influenced by the synthesis temperature. The thermal analysis results agree well with the XRD. The calcium silicate pieces presented low thermal conductivity values (0.227?0.376 W m^?1 K^?1). These results suggest that the calcium silicate-based materials produced essentially with chamotte and marble wastes has high potential to be used as thermal insulation construction material.     

Experimental and theoretical evidence of overcharging of calcium silicate hydrate

Electrokinetic measurements such as electrophoresis may show an inversion of the effective surface charge of colloidal particle called overcharging. This phenomenon has been studied by various theoretical approaches but up to now very few attempts of confrontation between theory and experiment have been conducted. In this work we report electrophoretic measurements as well as Monte Carlo simulations of the electrokinetic potential for the surface of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), which is the major constituent of hydrated cement. In the simulations, the surface charge of CSH nanoparticles in equilibrium with the ionic solution is determined by a single site characteristic and electrostatic interactions between all explicit charges at the surface and in the electric double layer. We will show that ordinary electrostatic interactions are enough to describe all experimental observations. Actually, an excellent agreement is found between experimental and simulated results without any fitting parameter, both with respect to surface titration and electrokinetic behaviour. The agreement extends over a wide range of electrostatic coupling, from a weakly charged surface with mainly monovalent counter-ions to a highly charged one with divalent counter-ions.     

Quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering on hydrated calcium silicate pastes

Using the inverse geometry spectrometer QENS at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source of the Argonne National Laboratory, we collected quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering spectra of hydrated tricalcium and dicalcium silicate, the main components of ordinary Portland cement. Data were obtained at different curing time, from a few hours to several months. Both the quasielastic and inelastic spectra have been analyzed at the same time according to the relaxing cage model, which is a model developed to describe the dynamics of water at supercooled temperatures. Short-time and long-time dynamics of hydration water in hydrated cement pastes as a function of the curing time have been simultaneously obtained. The results confirm the findings reported in previous experiments showing that it is possible to fit consistently the quasielastic and inelastic spectra giving insights on the effect of the curing time on the short-time vibrational dynamics of hydration water.     

Sorption of radioactive cobalt onto nano calcium silicate/CuO composite modified by humic acid

The sorption process of Co(II) onto nanoparticles of calcium silicate doped with 5% CuO treated by humic acid was evaluated using batch technique. This process follows the second order kinetic model. Equilibrium isotherm models of Co(II) sorption onto the modified composite was 208.91 mg/g. Negative value of free energy change (ΔG⁰), confirms the spontaneous sorption of Co(II) ions onto the modified composite. The removal efficiency (R%) reached 96.9% using 0.5 g of the modified composite. Therefore, the composite could be used for treatment of radioactive waste containing ⁶⁰Co.

     

Studies on the dehydration and decomposition of calcium and dicalcium magnesium aconttate hydrates

The thermal decomposition of calcium and dicalcium magnesium aconitate hydrates were studied by TG/DTG, DTA, EGA, SEM and other physico-chemical techniques. The decomposition proceeds in four stages: dehydration; oxidation of the carboxylic acid portion of the salt; complete fragmentation of the hydrocarbon portion; and finally, decarboxylation of the metal carbonate to the oxide. The crystal morphologies of the hydrate and anhydrous salts of each compound are very similar. Tricalcium aconitate consists of well-developed twinned crystals and stellate clusters intergrown with flat platy crystals. On the other hand, dicalcium magnesium aconitate crystals are monoclinic with well-developed pinacoidal faces. The activation energy,E _d (43±2 kJ mol^?1 water), calculated from Borchardt and Daniels' method, for the dehydration process of calcium aconitate trihydrate is of the same order of magnitude as some simple metal salt hydrates. The rate constant, k_d increased from 0.04/min at 238°C to greater than 0.86/min at 295°C. It is concluded that the dehydration process is due to cation bound water.     

Thermal decomposition of titanyl oxalates IV. Strontium and calcium titanyl oxalates

Thermal decomposition of strontium titanyl oxalate tetrahydrate and calcium titanyl oxalate hexahydrate have been studied employing TG, DTA, gas and chemical analysis. The decompositions proceed through three major steps: dehydration, decomposition of the oxalate to a carbonate and the decomposition of the carbonate to yield the final products, the metatitanates. The intermediates of the oxalate decomposition are found to be Sr₂Ti₂O_4+x(CO₃)₂-x(CO₂)_x and Ca₂Ti₂O₄(CO₃)₂, respectively. The entrapment of carbon dioxide in the former and the presence of non-equivalent carbonate groups in the latter are substantiated by their i.r. spectra. The penultimate solid residues are poorly crystalline Sr₂Ti₂O₅CO₃ and amorphous Ca₂Ti₂O₅CO₃. Decompositions of these carbonates are accompanied by growth in particle size of the products, SrTiO₃ and CaTiO₃, respectively.