"Calcium Silicate Hydrate: Structure, Characterization, and Interactions with Inorganic and Organic Materials"

Akul Seshadri, MSE PhD Candidate 

Advisors: Professors Kendra Erk &

ABSTRACT

Hydrated minerals are naturally forming materials whose properties rely on the bound water within their crystal structure. Hydrated minerals are found in our bones, soil, buildings, and even on other planets; understanding their structure and interactions with other materials could lead to improvements in these disparate areas. Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is a hydrated mineral that is responsible for the strength of cement, a prime component in our built environment. C-S-H has a complex, varied, semi-crystalline structure composed of silicate chains, calcium hydroxide sheets, solvated ions, and bound water. This seminar, first, critically reviews the formation, structure, morphology, variability, and characterization of C-S-H. Then, the effects of organic, inorganic, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials on the structure of C-S-H and calcium-based crystals are discussed. Broadly, the growth and morphology of inorganic phases can be controlled by solution chemistry, ionic concentration, and spatial orientation. Polarity, hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, pH, and chemical structure of organic and inorganic materials present different interactions with C-S-H and calcium-based crystals, varying their final morphology. Finally, preliminary work on the synthesis and characterization of silica-functionalized polymer gels will be presented as a potential organic-inorganic hybrid material that could nucleate, grow, and interact with C-S-H.