Title: Nanoscale Characterization of Cementitious Materials

Author(s): Paramita Mondal, Surendra P. Shah, and Laurence D. Marks

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 105

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 174-179

Keywords: atomic force microscopy; cement paste nanostructure; interfacial transition zone; mechanical properties; nanoindentation.

DOI: 10.14359/19758

Date: 3/1/2008

Abstract:
It is widely believed that the fundamental properties of concrete are affected by the material properties at the nanoscale. Hence, to improve cement and concrete properties, it is necessary to first understand the nanoscale properties. In this research, sample preparation techniques were developed to image the nano- and microstructure of hardened cement paste using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A special type of nanoindenter along with in-place scanning probe microscopy imaging has been used to determine the nanoscale local mechanical properties, including the Young’s modulus of the interfacial transition zone.