Do cement nanoparticles exist in space ? G. Bilalbegović, A. Maksimović, V. Mohaček-Grošev Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. (MNRAS) 442, 1319 (2014) Copyright 2014 MNRAS, Oxford University Press Abstract The calcium-silicate-hydrate is used to model properties of cement on Earth. We study cementitious nanoparticles and propose these structures as components of cosmic dust grains. Quantum density functional theory methods are applied for the calculation of infrared spectra of Ca4Si4O14H4, Ca6Si3O13H2, and Ca12Si6O26H4 clusters. We find bands distributed over the near, mid and far-infrared region. A specific calcium-silicate-hydrate spectral feature at 14 microns, together with the bands at 10 and 18 microns which exist for other silicates as well, could be used for a detection of cosmic cement. We compare calculated bands with the 14 microns features in the spectra of HD 45677, HD 44179, and IRC+10420 which were observed by Infrared Space Observatory and classified as remaining. High abundance of oxygen atoms in cementitious nanoparticles could partially explain observed depletion of this element from the interstellar medium into dust grains. article preprint 1. New Scientist published the article about this research: Supernovae have the right stuff to mix cement in space 2. This paper was invited to participate in the AGB Newsletter 3. The news about this research on the Web page of Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb: New Scientist o istraživanju u Zagrebu: Supernovae have the right stuff to mix cement in space 4. The news about this research on the Web page of Rudjer Bošković Institute, Zagreb: Postoje li nanočestice cementa u svemirskoj prašini? 5. The Croatian Radio Station on the 26th May, 2014, in the show "Eppur si muove", broadcasted the interview with the authors of this article 6. Matko Milin, my colleague from the Physics Department, is an Editor in "Matematičko-Fizički List", the journal for high-school kids. Matko invited me to write a short note about this research: Nanočestice cementa u Svemiru Home page