Influence of CNTs, ZnO, Gd2O3 and SiO2 on Calcium Silicate Hydrate: A Raman spectroscopic study

Raman spectra are collated from the cement paste matrices of CNTs, ZnO, Gd2O3, and SiO2. The spectra show that CNTs do not take part in hydration process and therefore concentration of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) is unchanged in CNT-OPC matrix. The metal oxides, on the other hand, have shown significant effects on the CSH concentration. The CSH concentration increases with the increase of ZnO weight percent in the matrix whereas spectra collected from Gd2O3 matrix shows the strongest CSH vibrational bands. Moreover, vibrational bands of CaCO3 also become weak in the matrices with Gd2O3. The addition of SiO2 however had opposite effects that is by increasing the weight percent of SiO2 in the matrix, the CSH concentration is decreased. Since CSH acts a glue in a binder, the study shows that its concentration can be controlled by adding foreign elements. Such binders are expected to show improved strength and durability.