Early hydration of belite-ye’elimite-ferrite cements: Role of admixtures

•TIPA has promoted the precipitation of more AFt in the first 24 h of BYF hydration when compared to the reference paste without any admixture.•CaCl2 has promoted the formation of higher amounts of amorphous calcium aluminum hydrates in the first 24 h.•Neither TIPA nor CaCl2 has promoted the hydration of α’H-belite in the first 24 h of hydration.•The addition of TIPA or CaCl2 has enhanced the mechanical strengths of BYF mortars when compared to the reference mortar without any admixture.