Technical contribution of DTA/TG and FT-IR spectroscopy to the study of carbonation of the cement matrix

The microstructure of portland cement during the hardening stage (setting) evolves due to hydration reactions occurring between water and cement. From the characterization and development of the microstructure can know the properties of the mixture, comparing the microstructure with the macrostructure. When atmospheric CO2 penetrates the pores of a Portland cement paste or concrete, changes the balance of chemical solution and hydrates. This leads to precipitation of CaCO3, resulting in the densification of the microstructure and the decrease in interstitial pH of the solution. Given the complexity of the system and interference generated by its multi-component, study of the carbonation requires the combination of different analysis techniques. This paper highlights the information that provides techniques as DTA/TG and FT-IR spectroscopy to study the carbonation of cement pastes and quantify their progress.