Pore size distribution in epoxy impregnated hardened cement pastes

Specimens of hardened portland cement paste (Type 1), hydrated for various periods of time, were ovendried and subsequently filled with an epoxy resin system via a vacuum-pressure technique. Data obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry indicate that a significant amount of porosity is left unfilled by polymer in the more mature (28 days hydration) specimens. Calculations indicate that the smallest micropores (< 0.0044 μm) are essentially inaccessible to the monomer system used in this study.