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Characterisation of two chemical compounds formed between hydrated portland cement and benzene-1,2-diol (pyrocatechol)

The paper characterises two compounds formed when concrete is exposed to soils containing a common contaminant deriving from fossil fuel processing. The characterisation techniques are noteworthy: thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infra-red spectrometry - a rarely-encountered combination which is demonstrated to be of value in the application described - and Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data - a technique which proves essential in this case. It provides insight into the possible deterioration mechanisms of structures exposed to contaminated soils and has broader relevance in the field of waste containment and soil treatment.