Multifractal Analysis of Calcium Silicate Hydrate ( <scp> <scp>C</scp> </scp> – <scp> <scp>S</scp> </scp> – <scp> <scp>H</scp> </scp> ) Mapped by <scp>X</scp> ‐ray Diffraction Microtomography

An investigation of Calcium Silicate Hydrate ( C – S – H ) topological distribution and modes of precipitation is performed by combining X ‐ray powder diffraction tomography, performed on an ordinary Portland cement sample, with a numerical scheme that simulates C – S – H precipitation. C – S – H distribution maps obtained both experimentally and numerically are analyzed by means of a quantitative method based on the principles of multifractal systems. The combination of these methods allows C – S – H spatial distribution and modes of precipitation and aggregation to be assessed quantitatively. In particular, the multifractal spectra obtained from the digital images of the cement paste microstructure, act as a structural probe, which is able to quantify the tendency of C – S – H to form clusters. The results of this combined approach suggest that a multifractal network forms by aggregation of C – S – H clusters heterogeneously nucleated on clinker grains and preexisting clusters that are partly homogeneously nucleated in the porous space.