TY - JOUR

T1 - Influence of broad ion beam polishing on the surface roughness of hydrated cement paste and its implications on microstructural analysis

AU - Sammer, Thomas

AU - Shi, Xiangyun

AU - Khan, Muhammad Zubair

AU - Matkovic, Aleksandar

AU - Teichert, Christian

AU - Raith, Johann

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The Authors

PY - 2024/6/1

Y1 - 2024/6/1

N2 - In recent years, the technical capabilities of high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) improved significantly. To fully utilise their potential, it is crucial that also the preparation techniques are advanced to obtain a high-quality surface which preserves even nanometre sized microstructural features. In this study, state-of-the-art resin-embedded polishing, and novel Broad Ion Beam (BIB) milling of hydrated cement paste are compared. SEM microstructural investigations are aided by image processing to determine porosity and pore geometry factors. Additionally, a comprehensive quantitative surface roughness analysis based on Atomic Force Microscopy scans is carried out. BIB-milling enabled the study of nanoscale features such as gel porosity or the acicular morphology of calcium-silicate-hydrates. Pores exhibit increased aspect ratios whereas resin-embedded polishing results in higher circularity. However, a superior vertical surface roughness was achieved by the resin-embedded polishing approach. The research highlights the advantages and drawbacks of BIB-milling as a polishing method for hydrated cement pastes.

AB - In recent years, the technical capabilities of high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) improved significantly. To fully utilise their potential, it is crucial that also the preparation techniques are advanced to obtain a high-quality surface which preserves even nanometre sized microstructural features. In this study, state-of-the-art resin-embedded polishing, and novel Broad Ion Beam (BIB) milling of hydrated cement paste are compared. SEM microstructural investigations are aided by image processing to determine porosity and pore geometry factors. Additionally, a comprehensive quantitative surface roughness analysis based on Atomic Force Microscopy scans is carried out. BIB-milling enabled the study of nanoscale features such as gel porosity or the acicular morphology of calcium-silicate-hydrates. Pores exhibit increased aspect ratios whereas resin-embedded polishing results in higher circularity. However, a superior vertical surface roughness was achieved by the resin-embedded polishing approach. The research highlights the advantages and drawbacks of BIB-milling as a polishing method for hydrated cement pastes.

KW - Atomic force microscopy

KW - Broad ion beam milling

KW - Hydrated cement paste

KW - Image processing

KW - Surface roughness analysis

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85194964693&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.cemconres.2024.107555

DO - 10.1016/j.cemconres.2024.107555

M3 - Article

VL - 182.2024

JO - Cement and concrete research

JF - Cement and concrete research

SN - 0008-8846

IS - August

M1 - 107555

ER -