Neutron scattering methods for concrete nanostructure characterization

Title: Neutron scattering methods for concrete nanostructure characterization
Author(s): Richard A. Livingston
Paper category : conference
Book title: NICOM 2: 2nd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction
Editor(s): Y. de Miguel, A. Porro and P.J.M. Bartos
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-87-X
e-ISBN: 2912143888
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 115 - 124
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 13
Language: English

Abstract: The critical features that determine the macroscopic properties of Portland cement concrete are found at the nanometer scale in the calcium-silicate-hydrate gel that binds the concrete together. Neutron scattering methods have proven to be very useful for studying these features because the neutron wavelength can be tuned to the nanometer range, and the scattering interactions are very sensitive to hydrogen. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) has been applied to develop a mathematical model of the complicated hydration reaction kinetics. Neutron scattering has then been used to characterize the effects of temperature, chemical composition and water/cement ratio on the model’s parameters and hence the development of the concrete’s properties. A related method, inelastic neutron scattering, IENS, has been used to measure nondestructively the reactivity of pozzolanas such as fly ash added to the concrete mix. Finally, information on the nanostructure of the hydrated cement paste can be obtained by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).

Online publication: 2005-11-17
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00