What is the term for the chemical process that occurs when cement forms bonds with water molecules?

The term that describes the chemical process when cement forms bonds with water molecules is the hydration process. During this process, the cement reacts chemically with water to create calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide, which are the primary compounds responsible for the strength and durability of the concrete.

Hydration is crucial because it affects the final properties of the concrete, such as its strength, durability, and resistance to various environmental factors. The correct understanding of hydration helps in ensuring that the right amount of water is used in concrete mixes, as well as in managing curing methods to optimize the bonding and structure of the hardened concrete.

Other terms like curing, setting, and hardening refer to different aspects of concrete processing. Curing pertains to maintaining moisture and temperature conditions to allow proper hydration over time. The setting process involves the transition from a plastic to a solid state, while hardening refers to the development of strength as the concrete continues to hydrate. Thus, hydration specifically focuses on the chemical reaction between cement and water, essential for achieving the desired properties in concrete.