Epoxy Impregnation Procedure for Hardened Cement Samples

摘要

A method was previously developed for epoxy impregnation of hydrated cementitious materials for microscopical examination without drying the samples, by sequentially replacing pore solution with ethanol, then the ethanol with epoxy. During subsequent application of the procedure, many specimens were cured. Studies were carried out to identify the cause of these problems and to modify the procedure for more reliable impregnation. Contamination with low levels (4%) of water or ethanol was found to prevent proper curing. Modifications in the procedure to prevent contamination, including monitoring the replacement of pore solution by ethanol, were shown to provide consistent and reliable impregnation.