Nucleation seeding with calcium silicate hydrate – A review

The development of green cements, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, often results in reduced hydration activity, especially during the first hours and days. Nucleation seeding with C-S-H has enormous potential to accelerate hydration, which can compensate for the above-mentioned effect without compromising the long-term strength of seeded cements. In this work, the effects of calcium silicate hydrate are reviewed in detail, with a focus on synthesis, as well as their influence on the hydration mechanism and the development of mechanical properties, such as early and long-term compressive strength and porosity.