Synthesis of pure Portland cement phases

Pure clinker phases are often used to test cement hydration behavior in simplified experimental conditions. These phases are in general structurally identical to, but chemically much simpler than their heavily substituted counterparts found in technical clinkers. The synthesis of the pure phases is covered in this paper, starting with a description of phase relations and possible polymorphs of the four main phases in Portland cement, i.e. tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium alumino ferrite. Details of the process of solid state synthesis are described including practical advice on equipment and techniques. In addition, mix compositions that have been successfully used are given.