Raman spectroscopy of cements: Problems and possibilities

Until recently there has been a common held misconception that Raman spectroscopy of cements is not possible, or at least so inconvenient as to make it impracticable. With recent advances in Raman spectrometers resulting in more efficient spectrometers, faster acquisition times and the use of lower powered lasers there has been a resurgence in the application of the technique to the study of cementitious materials. However, there are limitations, ready to catch the inexperienced user unawares. Fortunately, by understanding the technique’s limitations and the origin of some of the likely problems, it is possible to obtain valuable information from cementitious systems, gleaning information for example on chemical structure, hydration reactions, or early stage carbonation. This paper will show the development of Raman spectroscopy applied to cementitious systems, review recent advances in the field and look towards possible future applications.