The analysis of belite in Portland cement clinker by means of an electron-probe micro analyser

Summary It is believed that the rate of hydration of dicalcium silicate in a Portland cement clinker will depend upon the type and amount of stabilizing agent present in the crystal lattice. Complete analyses are given for a belite grain in a normal British Portland cement clinker and in a sulphate-resisting Portland cement clinker. Lattice substitutions are suggested which are consistent with the analyses obtained. Belite grains in the normal and sulphate-resisting Portland cement clinkers differed in the relative proportions of Al and Fe present. The ratio of Al to Fe in the belite grains corresponded closely to the ratio of Al to Fe in the cement clinker. Difficulties which arise in the electron-probe microanalysis are discussed.