SANS analysis of fractal microstructures in hydrating cement paste

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to characterise the microstru cture of hydrating cement paste and its evolution over a period from some h ours to 600 days. The scattering curves point to the appearance of fractal components in the microstructure. An analytical model for random surface fr actals is developed which is variable with respect to the maximum size of t he structural components contributing to the fractality, the range 2-3 of t he fractal dimension of the internal surface, and the volume fraction (0-10 0%) of the particles with fractal properties. This model is combined with a model for mass fractals and used for the interpretation of the SANS data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.