Lateral force microscopic examination of interfacial transition zone in ceramic concrete

The effects of fine bone china ceramic aggregate on the nanostructure properties of concrete were studied through Lateral Force Microscopy (LFM). The LFM tapping mode technique was used on concrete samples to observe the different phases of concrete such as CSH and pores. Roughness of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregate and cement paste was also determined. The results of the LFM imaging show that incorporation of fine bone china ceramic aggregate resulted in denser CSH gel structure along with reduced roughness of the ITZ. The resulting concrete is therefore expected to have superior strength and durability properties.