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

本研究项目的目的是了解水化硅酸钙（CSH）的电子、原子和微观尺度性能与硬化水泥之间的联系。CSH是硬化硅酸盐水泥的主要组成部分，是控制硅酸盐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，正在设想修改CSH结构和性能的技术。本研究将采用严谨的理论和创新的实验相结合的方法来研究控制碳水化合物结构和性能的基础科学问题。这些研究将确定理论上可能的和实验上可以实现的之间的差距，从而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。混凝土生命周期性能的提高对混凝土和水泥工业的可持续性和能源利用具有深远的影响。此外，这种跨学科的多机构研究将有助于培养高技能的毕业生劳动力。博士生将由具有不同背景和合作研究传统学科边界复杂问题经验的pi指导。研究成果和技术将在旨在吸引高中生进入STEM学科和招收本科生进入研究生课程的校园外展活动中得到突出展示。本研究中开发的方法将应用于分析具有复杂多组分微观结构的广泛材料，如页岩和纳米陶瓷。

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.