The impact of mechanical grinding on calcium aluminate cement hydration at 30 °C

Abstract Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) was ground for 1 and 2 h to investigate the impact of mechanical grinding on CAC hydration at 30 °C and CAC-bonded castable strength. Phase composition and microstructure of unground and ground cements after hydration for predetermined times and terminated by the freeze-vacuum drying were compared. The results indicate that the particle size and particle size distribution of CAC were reduced and narrowed, respectively by grinding, thereby favoring the hydration rate and the conversation of C 2 AH 8 to C 3 AH 6 . Then enhanced cement hydration also increases the strengths of castables bonded with milled CAC after drying and firing.