A discussion of moisture diffusion in cement pastes with hydrophobic agent

In February 2022, this journal published the paper Moisture diffusion in cement pastes with hydrophobic agent [1], performing measurements on moisture storage and calculations on moisture transport in cement mortars and pastes, to explain the influence of internal hydrophobation on the moisture imbibition in these materials. This critique however formulates serious concerns on the primary aspects of the paper: it is established that the reliability of the obtained sorption isotherms, pore volume distributions and pore flow resistances is debatable. This discussion therefore invites [1]'s authors to placate these concerns, and when remediation would not be not feasible, to revise their work accordingly.

Automated summary

This paper translated the impact of adding a hydrophobic agent on moisture diffusion in cement pastes and raised doubts about its reliability. Criticizing the authors and requesting an explanation and revision.