Quantitative characterization of carbonation of cement-based materials using X-ray imaging

Carbonation is one of the causes of concrete deterioration. In this study, the carbonation process of cement was studied using non-destructive X-ray imaging technology, offering a new non-destructive, visual, and quantitative method for cement carbonation. To allow the gray level obtained by X-ray radiography to correctly characterize the distribution of carbonation, the best X-ray photography parameters were selected through parameter optimization. By calculating the X-ray attenuation coefficient of the sample, the image gray level was calibrated as the density change. The results showed that this method could image the distribution of carbonation and obtain density increases. Furthermore, the carbonation profile was consistent with the results obtained by thermogravimetric analysis.

Automated summary

This study investigated the carbonation process of cement using non-destructive X-ray imaging technology, providing a new quantitative method for cement carbonation. The results showed that this method could accurately image the distribution of carbonation and obtain density changes. The method was consistent with the results obtained by thermogravimetric analysis.