Chapter 8: Glossary

C

Co-polymer

Polymer produced by the polymerisation of more than one monomer of different chemical composition.

C-A-H

Calcium aluminate hydrate compounds which form as the result of high alumina cement or Portland cement (tricalcium aluminate) and water.

Cementitious

Material, which contains cement.

Crosslinking

Joining of two polymer chains into one longer polymer chain.

C-S-H

Calcium silicate hydrates - compounds that form as the result of the reaction between Portland cement and water.

D

Drying shrinkage

Shrinkage of the cementitious matrix, which occurs as a consequence of the curing process.

H

Homogeneous

Uniform, well distributed consistency.

Homopolymer

Polymer produced by the polymerisation of one monomer of a specific chemical composition.

Hydrophilic

Species that are water loving.

Hydrophobic

Species that dislike water.

I

Initiators

Chemical compounds used to initiate polymerisation of monomers (i.e., free radical) yet do not form part of the final polymer.

L

Latex

Polymer particles dispersed in an aqueous medium (i.e., water).

Latency

Residue, found on the surface of a concrete, cementitious product after curing.

M

Micro-cracking

Fine, small cracks which occur in the cured cementitious product.

O

Open time

The period of time when the cement remains in a useable, workable state, after this period the materials begins to set and stiffen.

P

Pea-gravel

Type of aggregate that is about the size of a pea.

Permability

Having pores or openings, which allow liquids or gases to pass through.