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

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 γAl2O3 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 A to 100 A, 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.