Chemistry of the interaction between an alkoxysilane-based impregnation treatment and cementitious phases

Chemical compatibility with a wide range of materials is among the features that has driven use alkoxysilanes as consolidants in built structures. Such particularly important cementitious where reaction portlandite may generate C-S-H gel, one main hydration phases OPC. The matrix complex system, however, and its many alkoxysilanes, while poorly understood, determine treatment efficacy. This article describes detailed study individual interactions between an oligomeric alkoxysilane-based impregnation previously shown to interact present cement paste generated ordinary portland hydration. findings show both gel silicon oligomers hydrolysed (in case portlandite) rise mean chain length (MCL). Ettringite also altered presence transforming gypsum AH3. Its transformation generates tetrahedral aluminium taken up into high sourced from form amorphous aluminosilicate gel. Monocarboaluminate katoite partially decompose interaction product, whereas gibbsite remains unaffected.