Hardening of cement
Hardening is a process of crystallization. Crystals form (after a certain length of time which is known as the initial set time) and interlock with each other. Concrete is completely fluid before the cement sets, and then progressively hardens. The cement and water mixture that has crystallized in this way encloses the aggregate particles and produces a dense material.
Setting of cement
The term Setting is used to describe the stiffening of the cement paste. Setting of cement refers to changes of cement paste from a fluid to rigid state. The setting characteristics of Portland cement paste are defined by initial set and final set. Initial set indicates the approximate time at which the paste begins to stiffen considerably. Final set roughly indicates the time at which the cement paste has hardened and can support some load. Initial setting time indicates the beginning of the setting process when the cement paste starts losing its plasticity. Final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment water is added to the cement and the time when the cement completely lost its plasticity and can resist certain definite pressure.