An influence of geothermal water, temperature and pressure on the hydration of multicomponent cement binders

Cement pastes of different compositions were hydrated in a geothermal solution with the simultaneous action of high temperature (150 degrees C) and pressure (18 MPa) for 7 days. The influence of solution on phase composition and compressive strength of pastes was investigated based on the comparison with hydration in water and using TGA, XRD, FTIR, Si-29, and Al-27 NMR. The geothermal solution accelerated hydration and pozzolanic reactions. A higher amount of more thermally stable products was formed. Undesired transformation to crystalline alpha-C2SH in the samples with the highest C/S ratio was restricted. The uptake of carbonates from the solution led to an increased amount of calcite. As a result, increased compressive strength values were determined. Preferential incorporation of Al3+ into the structure of C-(A-)S-H or hydrogrossular phases depended on the composition of cement pastes.