The research describes the influence of surface area and mineral type (i.e., quartz or limestone) on cement reaction rates. Simulations demonstrate that the extent of the acceleration is linked to the:

• magnitude of surface area increase,
• the interfacial properties of the filler which alters (increases or decreases) its tendency to serve as a nucleant and the composition of the filler, and
• the tendency for its ionic constituents to participate in ion exchange reactions with the calcium silicate hydrate product.

The research correlates and unifies the fundamental parameters that drive the filler effect and provides a detailed mechanistic understanding of the influence of filler agents on cementitious reaction rates.