A simplified model was developed to estimate the penetration potential of particles typical of mortars and concrete into the pores of different substrates. This model considers that particles with projected area less than or equal to the pore area can penetrate the pore. Five suspensions made with particles of cement, hydrated lime, ground limestone, microsilica, and a typical cement mortar were applied in three different substrates with different pore size distributions, similar to substrates found in the market. The particle size distribution was obtained by laser diffraction granulometry, while the pore size distribution and the porosity of substrates were measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results showed that the potential penetration of particles in the pores is less than 1% of the total volume of particles, even for the suspensions with finer particle size (microsilica) on a substrate with larger pores (cementitious substrate), considering a pore area/particle area ratio of 1. The model showed that the mechanical contribution to the penetration of the particles into the pores is negligible.
Mechanical adhesion; Particles; Pores; Filtration; Modeling
