Image-based characterization of cement pore structure using Wood`s metal intrusion

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(98)00159-8· OSTI ID:323684

Willis, K L; Abell, A B; Lange, D A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Civil Engineering

Mercury intrusion porosimetry is a widely used technique for characterization of the pore size distribution of cement-based materials. However, the technique has several limitations, among which are the ink bottle effect and a cylindrical pore geometry assumption that lead to inaccurate pore size distribution curves. By substituting Wood`s metal for mercury as the intruding liquid, scanning electron microscopy and imaging techniques can be applied to the sample after intrusion. The molten Wood`s metal solidifies within the pore structure of the sample, which allows it to be sectioned and observed in the scanning electron microscopy. From here, the sample can be analyzed both qualitatively, by observing the changes in the appearance of the sample as the intrusion process progresses, and quantitatively, by applying image analysis techniques. This study provides insight for better interpretation of mercury intrusion porosimetry results and the possibility for quantitative characterization of the spatial geometry of pores in cement-based materials.

• OSTI ID: 323684
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 28; ISSN 0008-8846; ISSN CCNRAI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CEMENTS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
IMAGE PROCESSING
LIQUID METALS
PORE STRUCTURE
POROSIMETERS
WOOD METAL