Fe3+ doped and undoped b-dicalcium silicates (b-Ca2SiO4 or b-C2S) were prepared by sol–gel method.
The gels formed were heated in a microwave oven and subsequently in a muffle furnace. The particle
sizes of doped and undoped samples were found to be about 150 nm and 600 nm respectively. The
materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopic, powder X-ray diffraction, BET specific
area measurements, infrared spectroscopic and Mo¨ ssbauer spectroscopic techniques. IR spectroscopic
studies showed the possibility of distorted tetrahedral symmetry in Fe3+ doped b-C2S. Calorimetric
studies have shown that iron doped b-C2S is highly reactive. From Mo¨ ssbauer spectroscopic studies it is
found that electronic environment of Fe3+ in b-C2S is changed due to hydration. Degree of hydration
calculated from non-equilibrium water content measurements have shown that Fe3+ doped b-C2S
hydrates at a much higher rate. Scanning electron microscopic studies have revealed that the hydration
products in both the cases are almost identical. Formation and hydration of b-C2S in the presence of Fe3+
have been understood.