Nanocharacterization Of Cementitious Composites

Nanocharacterization of Cementitious Composites

This book offers a systemic introduction and summarization of nanoscale characterization techniques on cementitious materials. Cementitious composites are ubiquitous in the realm of construction, serving as the backbone of infrastructure worldwide. These materials, typically composed of cement, aggregates, and water, exhibit a complex interplay of mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. In the introductory chapter, we delve into the fundamental aspects of cementitious composites, exploring their composition, structure, and significance in the construction industry. In the second chapter, we introduced the advancements and applications of nano-characterization techniques for cementitious materials including nanoindentation, nanoscratch, modulus mapping, atomic force microscopy-based nanomechanical mapping techniques. Therefore, in the third chapter, the cementitious materials sample surface processing procedure was introduced. In the fourth chapter, nanoindentation, modulus mapping and PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping (PeakForce QNM) test results were comparatively analysed. In chapter five and six, the nanoscale mechanical properties of sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gel in geopolymer paste with and without nanoparticles was evaluated by grid nanoindentation tests. The nano/micromechanical properties of interfacial transition zones in ordinary concrete, recycled aggregate concrete and geopolymer concrete were investigated in chapter seven, eight and nine. Modelled aggregate samples were used to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary workload in the microscopic characterization. Finally, challenges and future directions were discussed in chapter ten from cementitious sample surface preparation methods, microscopic characterization method for cementitious materials and testing strategies for complicated interfacial transition zones.

Recent Advances in Nano-Tailored Multi-Functional Cementitious Composites

Over the past few years, concrete technology has advanced quite dramatically thanks to the use of a great variety of additives and admixtures, which have paved the way for the effective development of new-generation concrete mixtures. Among these additives and admixtures, nanomaterials used in construction materials such as paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures have become very popular recently. Much of the previous attention in regard to the utilization of nanomaterials in construction materials was specifically devoted to the characterization of their fresh-state, hydration, microstructure, pore structure, mechanical, transport, and durability properties. However, research into the tailoring of multi-functional properties of construction materials (especially cementitious) with the use of nanomaterials is still in its infancy. Recent Advances in Nano-Tailored Multi-Functional Cementitious Composites aims to capture recent major scientific advances and the current state of the art in multi-functional cementitious composites developed with nanomaterials. The book will provide researchers, engineers, and other stakeholders with an insight into future directions of multi-functional capabilities of cementitious composites. Chapters focus on the large-scale development, characterization, and application of multi-functional cementitious composites addressing the following topics: nano-modified concrete; strain-hardening cementitious composites; self-sensing concrete; self-healing and bacteria-based concrete; self-cleaning concrete; self-consolidating concrete; material/construction technology for 3D printing; thermal insulation capability; green concretes including geopolymer concrete; nanoscale characterization methods; low CO2 reactive magnesia cements; and future developments and challenges of nano-tailored cementitious composites. The book will be an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and civil engineers working on the development and application of nano-tailored multi-functional cementitious composites. - Provides very comprehensive and unique details about multi-functional properties of cementitious composites - Presents a detailed account of investigations conducted into the application of nanomaterials and nanoscale tailoring to achieve multi-functional properties for cementitious composites - Features state-of-the-art preparation, production, processing, and implementation techniques of nanoscale tailoring of multi-functional cementitious composites starting from laboratory to large scale

Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Nanotechnology in Construction. Proceedings of Hipermat 2012. 3rd International Symposium on UHPC and Nanotechnology for High Performance Construction Materials