Calcium silicate hydrate colloid at different humidities: Microstructure, deformation mechanism, and mechanical properties

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is the main hydration product of Portland cement, while fundamental questions persist regarding its colloidal structure and water content. In this work, we developed a full atomistic C-S-H colloid model investigated physical mechanical properties at different gel concentrations. Water confined in nanometer pores degrades because hydrolysis effect. A “ductile to brittle” transition was observed with increasing contents, evolving from transgranular failure intergranular fracture. The nanometer-sized displays glassy characteristics, it acts as lubricant facilitates distortions during deformation. We elucidated topology effect hydrogen bond network on evolution viscoelasticity humidities. This work sheds light role colloids nanostructure perspectives.