Comparison of transmission and reflection Fourier transform infrared methods for the analysis of cement blends.

摘要

The need for a rapid and reliable method for the routine analysis of cement, fly ash, and blast furnace slag bends led to the search for a method that meets these requisites. The blends are used for the production of grout, a waste form for the disposal of low-level radioactive liquid wastes. The long-term ability of the grout to immobilize the wastes depends on the composition of the blends. Consequently, a thorough chemical characterization of the blends are required. In an earlier work at our laboratories, the transmission method using a potassium bromide (KBr) pellet was applied successfully in the analysis of blends consisting of cement, fly ash, and clays. However, this method involves time-consuming sample preparation resulting in slow turnaround for repetitive sampling. Since reflection methods do not require elaborate sample preparation, they have the potential to reduce turnaround analysis time. Neat samples may be examined making these methods attractive for quality control. This study compares the turnaround time and reliability of two reflection methods, diffuse reflectance (DR) and attenuated total reflectance (ATR), with the transmission (KBr pellet) method. 1 ref., 6 figs., 2 tabs.