Applications of Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Cementitious Materials Research

Abstract

Cementitious materials have complex compositions and structures. Characterization of the hydration processes, and compositions and structure of productions of cementitious materials is challenging. One-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used to analyze the hydration degree of the binders (i.e., cement and mineral admixtures), as well as the species and structure of the hydration products (especially the non-crystal components), both qualitatively or quantitatively. Thereby, the effects of binder components, additives, and environment on the hydration process can be investigated. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy can provide further information on the connections between the same or different nuclei, confirming the presence of doping and substitution in the hydration products, as well as dispersion of organic additives in the matrix. It is concluded that solid-state NMR technology can be used to obtain information that rarely provided by other methods, and may advance the research on hydration process and microstructure of the cementitious materials.

Keywords

• nuclear magnetic resonance
• cementitious materials
• chemical shift
• hydration
• c-s-h gel