Topological analysis of heterogeneous three-dimensional pororus networks: the case of variable connectivity and pore-sizE correlation

CORDERO, S.; KORNHAUSER, I.; FELIPE, C.; ESPARZA, J.M.; ROJAS, F.; DOMINGUEZ A.; RICCARDO J. L.

ANNALES UNIVERSITATIS MARIAE CURIE SLODOWSKA

Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej

Lugar: LUBLIN; Año: 2001 vol. LVI p. 79 - 99

2083-358X

Three-dimensional porous networks, built under the framework ofthe dualsite-bond model of complex substrata, are used to represent the voidstructure of heterogeneous mesoporous materials. In essence,a topological characterization of different types of simulated porousstructures is carried out to visualise therein the effects of: (i) varyingconnectivity (i.e. the number of throats that emerge from a pore cavityallowing its connection with homologous entities), and (ii) changingpore-size correlation (i.e. how size-alike neighbouring void entities canbecome). The characterization is based on the evaluation of somestatistical properties of the porous substrata such as: (i) the meansize-correlation length between pore elements, and (ii) the connectivityfrequency distribution of pore cavities. Through this statistical analysis isfound a clear interdependency between local pore connectivity andsize-correlation length values. Thus, pore elements display sizes andconnectivities that depend on those adopted by their neighbouring voidentities. These topological features are explained and discussed in termsof the different morphologies that porous materials can adopt according tothe dual site-bond model.