Heat of hydration
The hydration of cement is an exothermic reaction that is carried out when cement comes in contact with water. The reaction will result in several by-products that will contribute to the strength of the concrete or mortar formed. Fig.1. Hydration Reaction - Changing Microstructure of Cement Cement Hydration The chemical reaction that takes place between the cement and water is referred as hydration of the cement. The hydration reaction is an exothermic reaction. The cement hydration will liberate a considerable amount of heat. This is called as Heat of liberation or Heat of Hydration. The mixing of cement with water will result in rapid evolution of heat that will last for few minutes. This evolution of heat is probably due to the reaction of a solution of aluminates and the sulfates. This rapid heat and reaction are depressed by the addition of gypsum. The Early heat of hydration i...