Determination of pore-size distributions of highly-connected networks with assisted-filling characteristics

Hg porosimetry and N₂ sorption processes have been replicated in simulated 3-D porous networks constructed by Monte Carlo procedures. These two characterization techniques render complementary information about the pore structural parameters of highly-connected porous networks. Through this study, it has been possible to depict a phenomenon labeled as delayed adsorption. This phenomenon consists in that condensation is not taking place inside a cavity unless the pore throats that surround this void have been already filled with liquid. This phenomenon arises when pore necks are comparable in size to the cavities to which they are connected. If condensation occurs this way, the pore-size distributions calculated from N₂ adsorption are biased toward overvalued pore sizes. Under this circumstance, Hg porosimetry analysis can still be suitable for realizing and assessing the latter problem since a complementary cavity-size distribution can be calculated from the Hg retraction curve.