Review on recent advances in securing the long-term durability of calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based systems

With growing demand for the development of multifunctional, high-performance, and high durable construction materials, numerous studies on calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based cementitious materials having various desirable characteristics, such as heat and chemical resistance, have been widely conducted. CAC has monocalcium aluminate as the main clinker, provides fast hardening and short setting time, and is mainly used for self-leveling mortar and repair materials. Nevertheless, the phase transition of the main hydrates of CAC under high temperature and moisture conditions causes a strength loss at later age, and ultimately makes one to face difficulties securing long-term durability of CAC-based cementitious materials. This paper summarizes recent literatures in the area of hydration characteristics and mechanical properties of CAC-based materials. In addition, this paper covers various methods for suppressing the phase transition of CAC in literatures, and promotes the utilization of CAC as an advanced construction material with the possibility of securing long-term durability.