A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Argon broad ion beam sectioning and high resolution scanning electron microscopy imaging of hydrated alite
Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging is able to visualize micro- to nano-structures of cement and concrete. A prerequisite is that the sample preparation preserves the native structure of the specimen. In this study, argon broad ion beam (BIB) sectioning is compared to state-of-the-art sample preparation (resin embedding, polishing) for hydrated alite. Additionally, it is investigated if during BIB, sample cooling is beneficial to avoid deterioration of cement hydrates. The aim is to quantitatively measure pore size distributions in hardened alite pastes. Therefore, not only optimized sample preparation but also optimized imaging conditions are investigated. Finally, it is demonstrated that by image analysis pores down to a diameter of 5 nm in hydrated alite pastes can be quantitatively analysed.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights The native fibrous outer and dense inner C-S-H structure are preserved by using low energy argon broad ion beam sectioning. Possible artefacts of the preparation and imaging of hydrated alite are shown and discussed. An approach for a semi automated pore analysis of the obtained high resolution images is demonstrated.
Argon broad ion beam sectioning and high resolution scanning electron microscopy imaging of hydrated alite
Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging is able to visualize micro- to nano-structures of cement and concrete. A prerequisite is that the sample preparation preserves the native structure of the specimen. In this study, argon broad ion beam (BIB) sectioning is compared to state-of-the-art sample preparation (resin embedding, polishing) for hydrated alite. Additionally, it is investigated if during BIB, sample cooling is beneficial to avoid deterioration of cement hydrates. The aim is to quantitatively measure pore size distributions in hardened alite pastes. Therefore, not only optimized sample preparation but also optimized imaging conditions are investigated. Finally, it is demonstrated that by image analysis pores down to a diameter of 5 nm in hydrated alite pastes can be quantitatively analysed.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights The native fibrous outer and dense inner C-S-H structure are preserved by using low energy argon broad ion beam sectioning. Possible artefacts of the preparation and imaging of hydrated alite are shown and discussed. An approach for a semi automated pore analysis of the obtained high resolution images is demonstrated.
Argon broad ion beam sectioning and high resolution scanning electron microscopy imaging of hydrated alite
Kleiner, Florian (author) / Matthes, Christian (author) / Rößler, Christiane (author)
2021-08-17
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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Effect of age on diffusion in hydrated alite cement
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Effect of age on diffusion in hydrated alite cement
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Effect of first drying upon the pore structure of hydrated alite paste
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