On the quantification of solid phases in hydrated cement paste by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry

Different solid phases, important to cement paste hydration, are investigated with low-field benchtop 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A combination of the well-established quadrature echo pulse sequence with variable pulse gap together with a T1 saturation recovery quadrature echo pulse sequence is used. The results illustrate the diversity in the 1H NMR relaxation behaviour of solid phases that prospects the differentiation in more complex materials. We propose a procedure to obtain quantified values of the solid compounds using these unique relaxation responses of solids, called finger print, and apply this technique to well-hydrated white and ordinary Portland cement paste. Based on the results, needs and ways for future improvements are discussed