Popis: |
This paper presents a systematic study of the features seen in typical Nyquist plots (-imaginary vs. real impedance) for cement-paste/steel systems and discusses the assignment of each feature to its appropriate origin, e.g., bulk, contact, interface, product layer, etc. Assignments are made based upon as many considerations as possible—dc measurements, sample geometry, capacitance, local chemical modifications, alternative electroding schemes, etc. In addition to three distinct arcs from lowest (mHz) frequency to highest (MHz) frequency (due to product layer, interfacial reaction, and bulk, respectively), a fourth arc is sometimes observed between the bulk and interface arcs. When this occurs in paste-only systems, this arc is attributable to imperfect electrodes due to drying/shrinkage. In composite systems, e.g., cement with conductive chopped fibers added, this arc is clearly a “bulk” feature and an important indicator of microstructural inhomogeniety. |