title: Nanostructure and nanomechanics of cement: polydisperse colloidal packing.
abstract: Cement setting and cohesion are governed by the precipitation and growth of calcium-silicate-hydrate, through a complex evolution of microstructure. A colloidal model to describe nucleation, packing, and rigidity of calcium-silicate-hydrate aggregates is proposed. Polydispersity and particle size dependent cohesion strength combine to produce a spectrum of packing fractions and of corresponding elastic properties that can be tested against nanoindentation experiments. Implications regarding plastic deformations and reconciling current structural characterizations are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Masoero
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Del Gado
authors.forename: R J-M
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Pellenq
authors.forename: F-J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Ulm
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yip