Standardized Procedure of Measuring the pH Value of Cement Matrix Material by Ex-Situ Leaching Method (ESL)

Abstract

According to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) report, the ex-situ leaching method (ESL) is more appropriate and accurate than other methods for measuring pH value in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. In this study, the ESL method was used to measure the pH value of cement matrix materials. The design test process aimed to avoid underestimating the variation in pH during the process of solution stirring and pH measurement without using both argon and nitrogen to block the specimen contact with air, with good repeatability and reproducibility. This study also considered the influence of the dryness of the specimen before crushing, the size of the powder, the air-exposed specimen, the air-exposed solution, the temperature of the solution, etc. After testing and analysis, a standard procedure for detecting the pH value of cement matrix materials was established which is known as the S-ESL method.

Keywords

• ESL method
• pH measurement
• cement
• mortar
• concrete