C-S-H/solution interface: Experimental and Monte Carlo studies

The surface charge density of C-S-H particles appears to be one of the key parameters for predicting the cohesion strength, understanding the ion retention, the pollutant leakage, and admixture adsorption in hydrated cement pastes.This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation of the surface-ions interactions that permits the prediction of surface charge density (σ), electrokinetic potential (ζ) and ions adsorption of mineral surfaces in equilibrium with a given electrolyte solution. Simulated results are compared to experimental data obtained by titration, electrokinetic potential measurements and ions uptake in the case of C-S-H suspensions. An excellent agreement is found between simulated and experimental results.The wide spread idea that calcium is a potential determining ion in cement paste systems appears to be incorrect. Instead, the pH controls the charging behaviour of C-S-H nano-particles. This paper also shows to what extent the electrostatic interactions contribute to the measured Ca/Si ratio.