Microscopic effect of iron dosage on the stability of Fe‐doped ettringite

Abstract

One significant aspect that affects the performance of high‐ferrite cement is the incorporation of iron (Fe) atoms and its stabilization into the cement phases. However, the influence of Fe doping on the stability of key phases, particularly on the ettringite, remains largely unexplored requiring deeper insights into the fundamental mechanisms. The present study explored the stability of Fe‐doped AFt structure based on density functional theory calculations at different Fe dosage. The obtained results showed that the stability of AFt structure decreases by increasing Fe dosage, which is in good agreement with the previous experimental observations. The incorporation of Fe into ettringite induced a series of changes in AFt structural and electronic properties. Bond order analysis underscored stronger covalent Fe–O bonds compared to Al–O, further emphasizing changes in the material's bonding network. Notably, density of states (DOS) analysis highlights the emergence of new occupied states near the Fermi level, primarily contributed by Fe and O atoms. This increased DOS, coupled with higher electron mobility, correlates with a reduction in material stability, as observed through shifts in bonding interactions and alterations in the bonding network. These findings point toward a complex interplay of factors, including altered bonding characteristics, increased electron mobility, and changes in the electronic structure, contributing to the observed instability of Fe‐doped ettringite.