Novel Cement-based Composites under Low Pressure and Microwave Energy

In this study cementitious materials (here defined as a high-performance cement paste produced by mixing Type 1 Portland cement with an effective amount of water) were manufactured in accelerated conditions using microwave-assisted low-pressure processing (i.e. accelerated curing). Based on the concept that the hydration reaction of cementitious materials comprises three main periods—a dormant period an acceleration period and a deceleration period—process parameters were determined for the most effective period (acceleration) for producing paste via microwave processing. The time-dependent dielectric characteristics of the cementitious paste and the water–cement ratio by mass influenced the temperature i.e. caused it to increase and the properties of the microwave-cured paste.