Hamlin M. Jennings

Professor

A133 Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-3109

E-mail address: h-jennings@northwestern.edu
Phone: (847) 491-5282
Fax: (847) 491-4011
Website:

Curriculum Vitae


Education


Research

Publications

After 30 years of studying the variable and illusive microstructure of cement-based materials, Jennings has developed the first successful, fully quantitative model of the nanostructure of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), the major component of hydrated cement. The model was originally based on highly scattered and contradictory surface area and density data mostly published in the 1950's and 60's.

The model has been further developed to form a basis for quantitatively predicting static properties, as measured for example by nanoindentation techniques, and linking these relationships to the design of new materials. Also, the model is being extended to larger scales, greater than 100 nm. It accounts for observation obtained by sophisticated techniques - cutting edge electron microscopy and small angle neutron scattering - that reveal a specific complex fractal structure. New phase diagrams have been proposed that rationalize disparate data published by Jennings' research group and by other workers during the last 50 years.

In addition, our research has laid the foundation for solving the 100-year-old question about the mechanism that controls the rate of hydration of cement.Jennings has also developed an analogy between the structure of C-S-H and a gel or precipitate. This facilitates an interpretation of changes in the microstructure induced during drying, as well as opening the door to applying new research results to colloids in general.


Teaching Activities


Professional Activities


Honors and Awards