Detection of Carbohydrate/Sugar in Concrete . HELP !!!!!!!!!

[ThuyAi]

I am searching for a method to detect sugar (sucrose/dextrose, glucose) in hardened concrete. Please let me know if you know anything about this subject.
Thanks
TA Thuy Ai Nguyen
Senior Analytical Chemist
Essroc Cement
Anguyen@essroc.com

 

[Ron]

Since sugars are organic materials, they can be extracted and isolated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). This is a common method of characterizing organic materials. You will need a substantial sample (100 g or more) of powder which can be obtained from drilling into the concrete with a standard carbide drill bit and saving the drill cuttings (powder).

 

[ThuyAi]

Ron,
My colleagues and I have had bad luck with detecting sugar by FTIR in the past. When you try to extract sugars from concrete you have some obstacles:
1-The sugars have undegone chemical reactions
2-The amounts present are two small
3-Carbonates and other inorganics extracted by water interfere

If you have personally analyzed the sugars by FTIR or have any articles about this topic, please fax it to me.

1-330-966-8505 or email it to me.
I appreciate your help.

I believe there's some wet methods out there, but I can't find any yet. Post-column derivatization chromtatography methods are available but I don't have any GC or HPLC.

Have a nice day Ron and keep up the good work.
TA Thuy Ai Nguyen
Senior Analytical Chemist
Essroc Cement
Anguyen@essroc.com