Initial hydration process of calcium silicate-based materials by thermography and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether differences in the formulations of calcium silicate-based materials affect the physicochemical properties during the initial stages of hydration process. METHODS: . Thermal profiles were assessed by monitoring temperature variation (ΔT) with a thermographic camera, and alkalinization was evaluated by pH measurements of the incubation media. All analyses were conducted over a 48-hour period. RESULTS: band intensity and alkalinization, whereas HP showed delayed chemical stabilization. Additionally, thermography detected early surface thermal events followed by low-activity regimes consistent with classical hydration stages. SIGNIFICANCE: The combined use of thermography, ATR-FTIR, and pH monitoring enabled detailed evaluation of early hydration events, enhancing the understanding of how compositional differences influence the setting behavior and functional properties of calcium silicate-based cements.