Micro- and macro-scale characterization of nano-SiO2 reinforced alkali activated slag composites
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Durability for Marine Civil Engineering, Shenzhen Durability Center for Civil Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong (China)
Highlights: • Combined advanced micro-scale measurements were used to predict properties of NS AASC. • NS enhances both the macro- and micro-mechanical properties of AASC. • Combination of MIP and XCT facilitates a complete characterization of pore structure. • Combined tools at multi-scale provide efficient approaches to optimize material design. - Abstract: The effect of nano-SiO{sub 2} on the micromechanical properties and microstructure of alkali-activated slag cement (AASC) composites was investigated. The investigation involved the use of: (i) nanoindentation to determine the elastic properties of the constituent phases using statistical deconvolution; (ii) scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and backscattered electrons to identify and characterize the solid phases in the microstructure; and (iii) X-ray computed tomography microscopy to determine the morphology of microscale pores and mercury intrusion porosimetry to measure the volume fraction of the nanoscale pores. The combined use of micro- and macro-scale characterization tools can establish a logical link between the macro-mechanics, microstructure, and micromechanical properties, which provides valuable information aiding the material design of AASC with nanoparticles.
- OSTI ID:
- 22804887
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Vol. 136; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2017 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1044-5803
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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