Oilwell cement is specially formulated for the extreme conditions required, i.e. high temperatures and pressures. It typically contains low quantities of C3A and free lime (CaO). Understanding the early stages of oilwell cement hydration is crucial to its application. Raman microscopy combines the spectroscopic capability with high spatial resolution, allowing us to study hydration processes in-situ.

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy is also very well suited for examination of these kinds of materials, allowing analysis without the necessary application of a conductive coating.