Measuring the effect of the ITZ on the transport related properties of mortar using electrochemical impedance

J. Lizarazo-Marriagaa, C. Higuera, Peter A. Claisse

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    40 Citations (Scopus)
    82 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    In this paper, electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used to investigate the effect of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on the transport related properties of Portland cement mortars. The ITZ between the cement paste and the aggregate provides a significant pathway for chloride transport which causes corrosion of reinforcing steel. The EIS experiments were used to determine how transport properties are influenced by the microstructure. The compressive strength, capillary porosity, chloride migration and impedance were measured on several mortar mixes which had different aggregate sizes at a constant aggregate fraction. An equivalent circuit model was fitted to experimental impedance spectra in order to obtain the electrical properties from the EIS results. The parameters of the equivalent circuit (resistances and capacitances) were correlated to physical conditions of the material microstructure. The results showed a clear relationship between the physical transport properties and the modelled equivalent circuit elements. This provides an explanation for the electrical impedance of mortar along conductive and non-conductive paths.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)9-16
    JournalConstruction and Building Materials
    Volume52
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • interfacial transition zone
    • transport properties
    • electrical impedance spectroscopy

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Measuring the effect of the ITZ on the transport related properties of mortar using electrochemical impedance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this