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Title: | Tuning interfacial properties of C-A-S-H gels through Al/Si ratio control: Multiscale simulation insights |
Authors: | Wang, Y Wang, P Zhang, Y Hou, D Wang, M Zhou, X |
Keywords: | interfacial tension;CASH gel;Al/Si ratio;molecular dynamics simulation;quantum chemical calculation;concrete durability |
Issue Date: | 6-Aug-2025 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Citation: | Xia, W. et al. (2025) 'Tuning interfacial properties of C-A-S-H gels through Al/Si ratio control: Multiscale simulation insights', Case Studies in Construction Materials, 23, e05149, pp. 1 - 13. doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e05149. |
Abstract: | Understanding the role of aluminum incorporation in calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (CASH) gels is crucial for enhancing cement-based materials’ durability. The presented research employs molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemical calculations to examine how changing the Al/Si ratio affects the interfacial tension of CASH gels with water. The results reveal that initial aluminum addition increases interfacial tension, while further increases in the Al/Si ratio lead to a gradual reduction, indicating an optimal aluminum content for minimizing solution transport. Analysis of the interface microstructure and lamellar interfacial tension suggests that increased Al/Si ratios contribute to a more homogeneous interface. Molecular interaction analysis shows that calcium is a key factor in interfacial bonding, with aluminum enhancing calcium adsorption and inhibiting its detachment. Quantum chemical analysis confirms that calcium adsorption occurs via electrostatic interactions, with weaker electron localization in aluminum-containing structures. These findings shed light on the mechanism by which aluminum in CASH gels inhibits transportation at the molecular level, offering valuable guidance for designing durable concrete materials. |
Description: | Data availability: The data that has been used is confidential. |
URI: | https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32113 |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e05149 |
Other Identifiers: | ORCiD: Muhan Wang https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7786-4825 ORCiD: Xiangming Zhou https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7977-0718 Article number: e05149 |
Appears in Collections: | Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Papers |
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FullText.pdf | Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ). | 9.09 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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