Microstructural evolution in porous ceramics subjected to freezing-thawing cycles: modelling experimental outcomes

Clay roofing tiles have been subjected to freezing-thawing cycles. Analyses performed on the ceramic material highlight changes in the pore size distribution, and the consequent modification of the capillary suction behaviour. A model using intermingled fractal units (IFU) to mimic the porous structure satisfactorily describes the observed porosity evolution. Additionally, it successfully predicts the sorptivity coefficient. The results obtained are in good agreement with the experimental ones. In order to verify the ability of the IFU model to predict sorptivity coefficient, a comparison has been shown with other two analytical procedures. It is possible to note that IFU model better fits experimental values than other models found in the literature.