Lithium, potassium and sodium additions to cement pastes

In the present study the influence of three alkali cations, namely lithium, potassium and sodium, on the hydration rates and the developing capillary pore structures of hydrating cement pastes was investigated. A quantitative examination of these effects was obtained by applying a set of experimental techniques that included isothermal calorimetry, loss-on-ignition measurements and low temperature calorimetry. Low temperature calorimetry was used specifically to assess the percolation (connectivity) of pore networks with various size entryways. Differences amongst the influences of the alkalis are highlighted and discussed in terms of their intrinsic atomic characteristics.