Investigating entrained air voids and Portland cement hydration with low-temperature scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

This paper describes the application of low temperature scanning electron microscopy to the materials science of Portland cement. The details of low-temperature scanning electron microscopy are described, along with a number of specimen preparation techniques. There are three main research topics presented in this paper: (1) ice morphology in entrained air voids, (2) development of air voids during early hydration and (3) progression of hydration in Portland cement. The first research focus examines ice in air voids at freezing temperatures, and various cement paste ages. The second research focus tracks the development of the air voids during the first hour of hydration. In the third research focus, the progression of hydration with and without accelerating and retarding admixtures is described. Each of these research programs demonstrates how low-temperature scanning electron microscopy can be an effective tool in Portland cement research.