Powder-diffraction characterization of cements

The uses of powder diffraction in the study of Portland cements and new eco-cements (those that release less CO2 in their fabrication processes) are highlighted. Firstly, the uses of powder diffraction for analysing the anhydrous commercial cements (Portland, calcium aluminate and calcium sulfoaluminate) are reviewed. Online Rietveld refinement in Portland cement factories is discussed. Secondly, new eco-cements such as sulfobelite and alkali-activated binders are considered. Here, powder diffraction has a bright future as most of the techniques developed for ordinary Portland cement can also be used to analyse these eco-cements. Thirdly, the uses of powder diffraction for studying cement hydration reactions are addressed, including blended Portland cements and new cementitious binders. The role of supplementary cementitious materials (e.g. pulverized fly ash, blast furnace slag and pozzolane minerals) is discussed. Finally, the uses of synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction are reviewed.