Early hydration of CAF with silica fume and its role on katoite composition.

CAF is considered the least reactive main clinker phase, but its reactivity may be affected by adding supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Pure CAF was synthesised in a laboratory furnace, and the role of silica fume without gypsum on its early hydration properties was monitored. Burning was carried out in four stages to achieve 99% purity of CAF.