Study of the hydration of CaO powder by gas–solid reaction

Hydration of CaO powders by reaction with water vapor has been studied in isothermal and isobaric conditions. Experimental tests were performed within the temperature range of 70 °C–420 °C and with a water vapor pressure from 5 to 160 hPa by means of a thermogravimetric device. Two powders, exhibiting slight differences in their physical properties, were studied. However, for one of the powders and under some temperature and pressure conditions, the reaction is not complete. The difference of behavior between both CaO powders was interpreted by considering the effect of the morphological properties on the mechanism of growth of Ca(OH)2.