Analysis of C–S–H gel and cement paste by small-angle neutron scattering

The role of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) in the characterization of cement is briefly reviewed. The unique information obtainable from SANS analysis of C–S–H gel in hydrating cement is compared with that obtainable by other neutron methods. Implications for the nature of C–S–H gel, as detected by SANS, are considered in relation to current models. Finally, the application of the SANS method to cement paste is demonstrated by analyzing the effects of calcium chloride acceleration and sucrose retardation on the resulting hydrated microstructure.