Damping maximum of hardened cement paste (hcp) in the region of −90°C: A mechanical relaxation process

The dependence on frequency of the damping maximum of hardened cement paste (hcp) in the region of −90°C has been analysed in a frequency range between 1 kHz and 9 kHz. The bending vibration of an hcp beam has been induced and the eigenfrequency and damping measured. After the Arrhenius-equation the activation energy was calculated. The dispersion of the eigenfrequency and the damping maximum at the same temperature indicate a mechanical relaxation process. It can be attributed to interaction between the pore ice and the internal solid surface of hcp.