X-Ray Diffraction Analysis on the Effect of Silica Fume and Water in Blended Cement Paste

The hydration kinetics of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and silica fume (SF) blended cement paste with distilled and effluent water were studied using X-ray diffraction spectra. The observed XRD patterns confirm the main phases of anhydrous and hydrated samples and also identify the brucite formation in the case of EW control. It was found that the SF blended sample has more resistant in sulphate environment. The variation in intensity was made use of in interpreting the kinetics of the reaction. The strength and setting time were correlated wherever necessary.