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Low-Field NMR for Carbon-Modified Cements: Dispersion and Hydration Studies
Mihai M Rusu1,2, Karoly Mostis1,2, Codrut Costinas3,4
1Department of Physics and Chemistry, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 13, 2026
Summary
This study uses NMR relaxometry to understand how carbon black (CB) and superplasticizers (SP) affect cement hydration and microstructure. Findings reveal SP delays hydration and refines the pore network, aiding CB dispersion in cementitious materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Understanding cement hydration is crucial for developing advanced cementitious materials.
- Carbon-based fillers and superplasticizers are key components influencing cement properties.
- Non-destructive techniques are needed to assess filler dispersion and hydration in real-time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of carbon black (CB) and acrylic superplasticizer (SP) on cement hydration and microstructure.
- To provide NMR-based insights into the dispersion of CB in cementitious materials.
- To correlate NMR findings with other characterization methods for a comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Low-field NMR relaxometry (in situ and ex situ) was employed to monitor cement hydration and CB dispersion.
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ζ-potential measurements assessed the colloidal stability of CB/SP mixtures.
- Optical microscopy (OM) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were used for complementary analysis of hardened samples.
Main Results:
- NMR successfully distinguished carbon ink signals from cement paste signals, enabling non-destructive assessment of CB dispersion.
- Superplasticizer (SP) addition was shown to delay cement hydration and refine the pore network.
- Improved particle dispersion of CB was observed with increasing SP dosage, confirmed by NMR and UPV.
Conclusions:
- NMR relaxometry is a powerful tool for non-destructively evaluating carbon-based filler dispersion in fresh cement pastes.
- Superplasticizers play a significant role in controlling cement hydration kinetics and improving the dispersion of additives.
- The combined use of NMR, DLS, ζ-potential, OM, and UPV provides a robust approach to characterizing cementitious materials.
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