Lithium in concrete: How LIBS technology is revolutionising material analysis

Why is detecting lithium in concrete so important and how can LIBS help?
Thumbnail Lithium Distribution in Concrete

Lithium plays an important role in the concrete industry, particularly in improving the durability of concrete through the use of lithium nitrate and lithium hydroxide. The detection of lithium in concrete samples used to be a major challenge.
However, with the development of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), this process has become faster, more accurate and more cost-effective. LIBS enables precise analysis of lithium in complex concrete samples and provides valuable data for the further development of concrete technologies.

For which target groups is this of interest?

FireFly Instrument
  • Manufacturer of building materials and cement
  • Engineers and technicians in the field of concrete technology
  • Researchers in materials science and construction chemistry
  • Quality control and laboratory teams in the construction industry
  • Universities and research institutions involved in materials analysis and development

What advantages does the LIBS analysis offer here?

  • Speed and flexibility: LIBS enables rapid analysis of concrete samples without the need for time-consuming sample preparation.
  • High precision: Thanks to the high spatial resolution, lithium concentrations can be precisely measured and mapped in small areas.
  • Multi-element analysis: LIBS offers the possibility to measure several elements in a sample simultaneously, which increases the efficiency of the analysis.
  • Minimal sample preparation: In contrast to traditional analysis methods, LIBS requires only minimal sample preparation, which saves time and resources.
  • High-resolution mapping: With LIBS, the distribution of lithium in concrete can be visualised, enabling a detailed examination of the material structure.

LIBS is a powerful method for detecting lithium in concrete quickly and accurately. The technology offers high spatial resolution and enables multi-element analysis with minimal sample preparation. This makes it an indispensable tool for research and development in concrete technology. By visualising lithium distributions in concrete samples, LIBS opens up new possibilities for the optimisation of concrete mixes and the improvement of material properties.