Determination of particle size distribution in cements with admixtures by optical methods

Abstract

In determining particle size in powders, a large number of methods are employed including sedimentation (e.g. sedimentation scale method, Andreason´s pipette method and others), chromatography, microscopy, electrozone testing, scatter methods and filtration methods among others, each one of these with their own particular characteristics and corresponding degrees of accuracy. In the study of cements, the most used of these methods are the filtration (and/or sifting method), and sedimentation, this last one based on Stoke´s Law which compares the rate of particle separation in a liquid.