The fractal nature of the surface of cement paste

Abstract The basic nature and properties of a class of geometric forms known as fractals are presented. An X-ray scattering technique for measuring the dimension of a fractal surface is described. The technique is used to demonstrate that the surface of hydrated cement paste is fractal in character, and has a large fractal dimension. This latter fact indicates that the surface of cement paste is extremely irregular. Further, the degree of irregularity is found to depend somewhat on the water: cement ratio. The fractal character of the surface of paste provides a logical explanation for the different surface areas detected by different vapors in a sorption experiment.