Relationship of Theoretical Nano-scale Structure/Properties of Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) and Experimental Micro-scale Properties of Cement Paste

本研究的目的是了解水化硅酸钙（CSH）和硬化水泥的电子-原子-和微观尺度性质之间的联系。 CSH是硬化波特兰水泥的主要组成部分，也是控制波特兰水泥混凝土整体力学性能的关键微观结构。 为了显著提高混凝土的性能和耐久性，人们正在设想改变CSH结构和性能的技术。 本研究将采用严格的理论和创新的实验方法相结合，研究控制CSH结构和性质的基本科学问题。 这些调查将确定理论上可能的和实验上可实现的之间的差距，并因此为未来胶凝材料的发展提出合理的策略。 混凝土是世界上使用最多的建筑材料。 混凝土的生命周期性能增强可以对混凝土和水泥行业的可持续性和能源使用产生深远的影响。 此外，这种跨学科的多机构研究将有助于发展高技能的研究生劳动力。 的博士学生将由具有不同背景和经验的专业研究员指导，共同研究传统学科边界上出现的复杂问题。 研究成果和技术将在校园外展活动中得到强调，旨在吸引高中生进入STEM学科并招收本科生进入研究生课程。 在这项研究中开发的方法将有广泛的一类具有复杂的多组分微观结构，如页岩和纳米陶瓷材料的分析应用。

The objective this research project is to understand the link among the electronic- atomic- and micro-scale properties of Calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and hardened cement. CSH is the dominant building block component of the hardened portland cement and the key microstructure that controls the overall mechanical behavior of portland cement concrete. To significantly enhance concrete performance and durability, technologies to modify CSH structure and properties are being envisaged. This research will use a combination of rigorous theoretical and innovative experimental methods to investigate the fundamental science issues governing CSH structure and properties. These investigations will identify the gap between what is theoretically possible and what is experimentally achievable, and consequently, suggest plausible strategies for future cementitious material development. Concrete is the most utilized construction material across the world. Life cycle performance enhancement of concrete can have far reaching impact on sustainability and energy use of the concrete and cement industries. In addition, this interdisciplinary multi-institutional research will contribute to the development of highly skilled graduate workforce. The Ph.D. students will be mentored by PIs with diverse background and experience in collaborative research on complex problems that occur at the boundaries of traditional disciplines. The research results and techniques will be highlighted at the campus outreach events designed to attract high school students into STEM disciplines and recruit undergraduate students into graduate programs. The methods developed in this research will have applications in the analysis of a wide class of materials possessing complex multi-component microstructures, such as shales and nanophased ceramics.