The physics of cement cohesion

Cement is one of the most produced materials in world. A major player greenhouse gas emissions, it main binding agent concrete, to which provides a cohesive strength that rapidly increases during setting. Understanding how such cohesion emerges has been obstacle advances cement science and technology. Here, we combine computational statistical mechanics theory demonstrate results from organization interlocked ions water, progressively confined nano-slits between charged surfaces Calcium-Silicate-Hydrates. Due water/ions interlocking, dielectric screening drastically reduced ionic correlations are proven significantly stronger than previously thought, dictating evolution nano-scale interactions hydration. By developing quantitative analytical prediction based on Coulombic forces, reconcile novel fundamental understanding hydration with fully atomistic description solid paste open new paths for technologies construction materials.