Atomic bonds Calcium aluminate

The primary reaction of any pozzolanic material is an attack on the SiOj or AljOj-SiOj framework by OH ions. It may be supposed that the OH ions attach themselves to silicon and other network-forming atoms, with consequent breaking of bonds between the latter and oxygen atoms. After this has occurred several times, the silicate or other oxy anion is detached from the framework. It may either remain in situ or pass into the solution. The charges of those that remain are balanced, partly by H, and partly by metal cations. Since a cement pore solution is essentially one of potassium and sodium hydroxides, the immediate product is likely to be an amorphous material with and Na as the dominant cations, but the more abundant supply of Ca and the lower solubility of C-S-H and hydrated calcium aluminate or silicoaluminate phases will ensure that this is only an intermediate product. Its presence is indicated by the relatively high potassium contents observed in or near to the reacting pfa particles. 

---