Feasibility Study for a Neutron-Based Investigation of Polymer Cement Concretes

Abstract

Study of dense cements, ceramics and related materials such as cement stones, is significant to create novel advanced components for various types of buildings and structures. These materials can possess high functional properties and they can be adopted for various purposes, for instance as corrosion resistive coatings for cement constructions. In this paper, the investigability of polymer cement concretes by neutron beam techniques (NBT) and, in particular, the nano-scale characterization by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) of polymer cement concrete (PCC) samples made of Portland or aluminous cement with added γAl 2 O 3 and redispersible dry polymer, are discussed. The main aims are to assess key parameters (e.g., porosity, fractal dimensions, size distribution, presence of cracks or open and closed pores) responsible of the materials' performance at the scale from 1 Å to 100 Å, as well as to expand the possibility of applications. NBT, among the other non-destructive diagnostics, are particularly unique in the complete analysis of industrial materials when supplying essential information. The results obtained by means of a neutron-based investigation can translate into the optimization of consistency and the design of operating conditions and procedures that support and enhance quality and safety levels. Various examples concerning the examinations of different kinds of cements are reported. This state-of-the-art stage indeed confirms the industrial applicability of NBT in completing the characterization of the considered materials.

Portland Cement with Mineral Fillers and Polymer Additives

“…The analysis of curvilinear surface strength dependence upon the additions-fillers quantity shows that the optimum range of combined addition compositions is approximately as follows: marble powder quantity -up 10 to 50 %, limestone meal quantity -up 5 to 45 % and fly ash quantity -up 50 to 70 %. As for Portland cement polymer modification it should be noted that the polymers usually increase the flexural strength, but decrease the cement stone compressive strength very often [4,5,6,7]. In the case of the polymer powder PAV-22 used we have found that both the hardened cement stone flexural strength increase and the compressive strength one when polymer quantity is more than 1.0 %.…”

Neutron beam measurement of industrial polymer materials for composition and bulk integrity

“…The achievable results are expected to supply information concerning, in particular: porosity, determination of fractal dimension, size distribution and other characteristics (open, closed pores, cracks). These results could contribute to study the influence of adding polymer and γ Al 2 O 3 to cement compositions, helping to monitor some important characteristics of the considered material [27,28]. NBT can also be used to characterize the nanocomposite morphology of polymers with added inorganic nanoparticles, to optimize this addition in order to better study the interaction between nanoparticles and polyamide units [29], and enhance the performances of the final products.…”