This website serves as a research platform focused on cement materials and sustainable construction. Concrete is the second most consumed material globally, and cement production contributes approximately 7–8% of total CO₂ emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization.

The platform presents research addressing the physicochemical mechanisms that govern the performance of cement-based materials, with a focus on reducing emissions through the use of blended cements incorporating industrial by-products such as slag and fly ash. These systems form complex hydration phases, primarily C-(A)-S-H, whose structure and properties are strongly influenced by water at the nanoscale.

Currently, a research project is being conducted at Nazarbayev University: “The Role of Water in the Structure and Performance of Blended Cements for Low-Carbon Construction Materials.” The study investigates water structure, dynamics, and distribution within cementitious matrices using advanced techniques, including neutron scattering and atomistic modeling.

The objective is to establish a fundamental understanding of hydration processes and material behavior, enabling the design of low-carbon cement systems with improved durability, mechanical performance, and long-term stability.

Why This Research Matters

Project Geography

the project is carried out in close collaboration with leading international research centers and utilizes the infrastructure of major neutron facilities in Europe.