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 H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A combination of the well-established quadrature echo pulse sequence with variable pulse gap together with a T-1 saturation recovery quadrature echo pulse sequence is used. The results illustrate the diversity in the H-1 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.