SAMPLE MASS AND DIMENSION EFFECTS ON MERCURY INTRUSION POROSIMETRY RESULTS

Initial experiments to evaluate the critical sample thickness that could be fully intruded by mercury intrusion porosimetry, led to evaluations of sample mass and rate of intrusion effects as well. Minimum sample dimensions of up to 6.5 mm did not influence total intruded porosity but did influence pore size distribution. A reduction of sample mass results in a decrease in total intruded porosity. Use of crushed samples instead of prisms can lead to introduction of an external porosity peak. Rates of pressure application had no effect on total porosity but did shift the size distribution curve.