Acoustic microscopy of portland cement mortar aggregate/paste interfaces

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 35; no. 14; pp. 3607 - 3613
• Main Authors: PRASAD, M, MANGHNANI, M. H, WANG, Y, ZININ, P, LIVINGSTON, R. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.07.2000; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acoustic microscopy; Acoustics; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Cement; Composition effects; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Cracks; Crystal defects; Ettringite; Exact sciences and technology; General (composition, classification, performance, standards, patents, etc.); Materials; Materials science; Microscopy; Mortars (material); Portland cements; Scanning electron microscopy; In situ; Experimental study; Portland cement; Cement mortar; Optical microscopy; Cement paste; Defect; Acoustic microscope; Concrete; Aggregate; Microstructure; Non destructive test; Interface
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1004873815763

We have demonstrated the use of acoustic microscopy tocharacterize hydrated Portland cement microstructure. Highfrequency (1 GHz) studies identified reaction zones aroundbubbles, ettringite formation, and effects of aggregatecomposition. Lower frequency images (200–400 MHz) have been used to characterize effects of aggregate composition oncement/grain interface. The information obtained fromacoustic microscopy complements optical and scanningelectron microscopy. We demonstrate the importance ofacoustic microscopy as an important nondestructive in situtechnique for characterization of concrete. A major, uniqueadvantage of the scanning acoustic microscope technique isits capability of penetrating into the material, whichallows us to study cracks, defects and other zones ofweakness that might be hidden below the surface.