Hyperspectral imaging for characterisation of Portland cement
Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/10589759.2026.2734790
- Journal Name: Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: cement compound, Cement synthesis, hyperspectral imaging analysis, hyperspectral signature, material characterisation
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an advanced characterization technique with applications ranging from remote sensing to material analysis. By generating a spectral map for each spatial pixel, it can provide compositional information rapidly and at relatively low cost, making it attractive for cement analysis. Portland cement, composed of distinct compounds with unique hydration kinetics, traditionally requires complex testing for detailed investigation. This study pioneers the application of HSI for characterizing cement compounds. The methodology involved the laboratory synthesis of pure cement compounds, followed by evaluation of their purity and properties using conventional techniques, including particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, compressive strength testing, and isothermal calorimetry. Reflectance hyperspectral spectroscopy in the 400–1000 nm range was then applied to identify the hyperspectral signatures of each compound. These signatures were subsequently used to classify a clinker sample, demonstrating the effectiveness of HSI in identifying and analyzing Portland cement compounds. Classification performance was evaluated in MATLAB using a Kernel Logistic Regression model, which achieved a test accuracy of 98.3% under the conditions investigated. These results highlight HSI as a promising tool for efficient cement characterization, with potential for further development toward material analysis applications in the construction field.