Liquid-phase self-diffusion in hydrating cement pastes — results from NMR studies and perspectives for further research

The changes in the pore structure of hydrating cement are accompanied by changes in the dynamics of liquid phases contained in the pore system of the hydrating matrix. Dynamic NMR methods (relaxometry, diffusometry) allow the non-destructive observation of these changes. Relaxometry can be performed using quite simple equipment and has been widely used in studies of the kinetics of cement hydration. Diffusion studies, by contrast, require much more sophisticated equipment. On the other hand, the diffusion coefficient has a direct relevance for the transport of moisture or contaminants in the cement matrix while relaxation time measurements provide more indirect information. The purpose of the present paper is to review the possibilities of field gradient NMR in diffusion studies on hydrating cement and to provide an outlook on how this information can be used for improving our understanding of the properties and microstructure of hydrating cement. As an example, new results on the relationship between the diffusive exchange length in the sample and non-exponential relaxation in cement are discussed at the end of the contribution.