Drop shape tensiometer for measurement of surface energies in cementitious materials

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The equipment will be used to investigate the origin of shrinkage phenomena occurring in cementitious materials upon setting and hardening. In such materials, shrinkage induces important internal stresses, which can lead to micro-cracking and premature deterioration. It is thus most important to understand and control the fundamental processes, which govern the shrinkage behavior of cementitious materials. To achieve this goal, we will perform selected chemical approaches to alter the porous network of cementitious materials, and study the influence of these modifications on 1- the shrinkage behavior of the materials as function of time and 2- the course of microscopic processes contributing to the observed shrinkage. Our approach will focus largely on studies of interfacial phenomena in the porous matrices; for such studies, the specific equipment required is essential.