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Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2024) | Viewed by 11515

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Dr. Yuan Gao

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1. School of Transportation and Civil Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
2. College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: cementitious composites; grouting engineering; nano-reinforcement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Junlin Lin

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School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
Interests: cementitious composites; nano-reinforcement; machine learning

Dr. Xupei Yao

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Guest Editor

Yellow River Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
Interests: cementitious nanocomposites; fiber-reinforced concrete; microstructures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The microstructural properties and failure behaviors of cementitious composites provide essential information about the underlying causes of their mechanical performance and durability. A systematic understanding of the microstructure and failure behaviors of cementitious composites can assist not only in better analyzing their mechanics and durability, but also in optimizing materials during fabrication processes. Many advanced technologies are currently applied to characterizing the microstructure and failure behaviors of cement-based materials, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion measurement (MIP), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), acoustic emission (AE) and digital photography. These methods have the potential to enable better investigation and assist in the manufacturing of high-performance cementitious composites. This Special Issue covers the microstructural and failure behavior characterization of cementitious composites, as well as investigation of their mechanical properties, permeability and durability. We expect that the publication of this Special Issue will provide useful information for future studies on cementitious composite design.

Dr. Yuan Gao
Dr. Junlin Lin
Dr. Xupei Yao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

microstructural properties
characterization
failure performance
mechanical behavior
durability
cementitious composites

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Related Special Issue

Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites (2nd Edition) in Materials

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Research

15 pages, 4669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tension Capacity of Crushed Limestone–Cement Grout

by Muawia Dafalla, Ahmed M. Al-Mahbashi and Ahmed Alnuaim

Materials 2024, 17(15), 3860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153860 - 4 Aug 2024

Viewed by 625

Abstract

The feasibility of using crushed limestone instead of sand in cement grout is examined in this work. This study entails performing several tests, including the Brazilian test, the compressive strength test, and the stress–strain correlation test. The curing times used were 7, 14, and 28 days for mixtures with various proportions of cement to limestone (1:1, 1:2, and 1:4). The conventional sand–cement grout laboratory tests were prepared using a similar methodology to examine the effectiveness of the suggested substitute. The findings show that the limestone-based grout has sufficient strength, but that it is less than that of the typical sand material. The values of the tensile strength and elastic modulus were determined. A focus was made on the tensile strength and stress–strain relationship. A special laboratory set-up was used to look at the progress of failure using strain gauges fitted to the cylindrical samples both vertically and horizontally. The angular shape of the particles’ ability to interlock is responsible for the material’s increase in strength. According to this study, crushed limestone can be used as a substitute for sand in circumstances where sand supply is constrained. The suggested grout can be used in the shotcrete of tunnels and rock surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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20 pages, 5554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Impact of Superabsorbent Polymer Sizes on Absorption and Cement Paste Rheology

by Nilam Adsul, Jun-Woo Lee and Su-Tae Kang

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133115 - 25 Jun 2024

Viewed by 954

Abstract

This study aims to understand the water retention capabilities of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) in different alkaline environments for internal curing and to assess their impact on the rheological properties of cement paste. Therefore, the focus of this paper is on the absorption capacities of two different sizes of polyacrylic-based Superabsorbent Polymers : SAP A, with an average size of 28 µm, and SAP B, with an average size of 80 µm, in various solutions, such as pH 7, pH 11, pH 13, and cement filtrate solution (pH 13.73). Additionally, the study investigates the rheological properties of SAP-modified cement pastes, considering three different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios (0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) and four different dosages of SAPs (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% by weight of cement). The results showed that the absorption capacity of SAP A was higher in all solutions compared to SAP B. However, both SAPs exhibited lower absorption capacity and early desorption in the cement filtrate solution. In contrast to the absorption results in pH 13 and cement filtrate solutions, the rheological properties, including plastic viscosity and yield stress, of the cement paste with a w/c ratio of 0.4 and 0.5, as well as both dry and wet (presoaked) SAPs, were higher than those of the cement paste without SAP, indicating continuous absorption by SAP. The viscosity and yield stress increased over time with increasing SAP dosage. However, in the mixes with a w/c ratio of 0.6, the values of plastic viscosity and yield stress were initially lower for the mixes with dry SAPs compared to the reference mix. Additionally, cement pastes containing wet SAP showed higher viscosity and yield stress compared to the pastes containing dry SAP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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19 pages, 3462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Effect of Citric Acid-Modified Chitosan on the Mechanical Properties, Shrinkage Properties, and Durability of Concrete

by Zhibin Qin, Jiandong Wu, Zhenhao Hei, Liguo Wang, Dongyi Lei, Kai Liu and Ying Li

Materials 2024, 17(9), 2053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092053 - 27 Apr 2024

Viewed by 778

Abstract

As an environmentally friendly natural polymer, citric acid-modified chitosan (CAMC) can effectively regulate the hydration and exothermic processes of cement-based materials. However, the influence of CAMC on the macroscopic properties of concrete and the optimal dosage are still unclear. This work systematically investigates the effects of CAMC on the mixing performance, mechanical properties, shrinkage performance, and durability of concrete. The results indicated that CAMC has a thickening effect and prolongs the setting time of concrete. CAMC has a negative impact on the early strength of concrete, but it is beneficial for the development of the subsequent strength of concrete. With the increase in CAMC content, the self-shrinkage rate of concrete samples decreased from 86.82 to 14.52 με. However, the CAMC-0.6% sample eventually expanded, with an expansion value of 78.49 με. Moreover, the long-term drying shrinkage rate was decreased from 551.46 to 401.94 με. Furthermore, low-dose CAMC can significantly reduce the diffusion coefficient of chloride ions, improve the impermeability and density of concrete, and thereby enhance the freeze–thaw cycle resistance of concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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24 pages, 6306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Investigation of the Hydration Degree of CA₂ Phase Modified with Boron and Fluorine Compounds

by Michał Pyzalski, Karol Durczak, Agnieszka Sujak, Michał Juszczyk, Tomasz Brylewski and Mateusz Stasiak

Materials 2024, 17(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092030 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 738

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of fluoride and boron compound additives on the synthesis and hydration process of calcium aluminate (CA₂). The analysis showed that the temperature of the full synthesis of CA₂ without mineralizing additives was 1500 °C. However, the addition of fluorine and boron compounds at 1% and 3% significantly reduced the synthesis temperature to a range of 1100–1300 °C. The addition of fluoride compounds did not result in the formation of fluoride compounds from CaO and Al₂O₃, except for the calcium borate phase (Ca₃(BO₃₎₂) under certain conditions. In addition, the cellular parameters of the synthesized calcium aluminate phases were not affected by the use of these additives. Hydration studies showed that fluoride additives accelerate the hydration process, potentially improving mechanical properties, while boron additives slow down the reaction with water. These results highlight the relevance of fluoride and boron additives to the synthesis process and hydration kinetics of calcium aluminate, suggesting the need for further research to optimize their application in practice. TG studies confirmed the presence of convergence with respect to X-ray determinations made. SEM, EDS and elemental concentration maps confirmed the presence of a higher Al/Ca ratio in the samples and also showed the presence of hexagonal and regular hydration products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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13 pages, 3264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Hydration Heat for Diverse Cementitious Composites through a Machine Learning-Based Approach

by Liqun Lu, Yingze Li, Yuncheng Wang, Fengjuan Wang, Zeyu Lu, Zhiyong Liu and Jinyang Jiang

Materials 2024, 17(3), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030715 - 2 Feb 2024

Viewed by 929

Abstract

Hydration plays a crucial role in cement composites, but the traditional methods for measuring hydration heat face several limitations. In this study, we propose a machine learning-based approach to predict hydration heat at specific time points for three types of cement composites: ordinary Portland cement pastes, fly ash cement pastes, and fly ash–metakaolin cement composites. By adjusting the model architecture and analyzing the datasets, we demonstrate that the optimized artificial neural network model not only performs well during the learning process but also accurately predicts hydration heat for various cement composites from an extra dataset. This approach offers a more efficient way to measure hydration heat for cement composites, reducing the need for labor- and time-intensive sample preparation and testing. Furthermore, it opens up possibilities for applying similar machine learning approaches to predict other properties of cement composites, contributing to efficient cement research and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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18 pages, 6995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency and Mechanism of Surface Reinforcement for Recycled Coarse Aggregates via Magnesium Phosphate Cement

by Siyao Wang, Jingtao Hu, Zhiyuan Sun, Yuan Gao, Xiao Yan and Xiang Xue

Materials 2024, 17(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010122 - 26 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1293

Abstract

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) exhibits inferior mechanical and durability properties owing to the deterioration of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) surface quality. To improve the surface properties of RCA, the reinforcement efficiency of RAC, and the maneuverability of the surface treatment method, this study used magnesium phosphate cement (MPC), a clinker-free low-carbon cement with excellent bonding properties, to precoat RCA under three-day pre-conditioning. Moreover, variable amounts of fly ash (FA) or granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) were utilized to partly substitute MPC to enhance the compressive strength and chloride ion penetration resistance. Subsequently, FA–MPC and GBFS–MPC hybrid slurries with the best comprehensive performance were selected to coat the RCA for optimal reinforcement. The crushing value and water absorption of RCA, as well as the mechanical strengths and durability of RAC, were investigated, and microstructures around interfaces were studied via BSE-EDS and microhardness analysis to reveal the strengthening mechanism. The results indicated that the comprehensive property of strengthening paste was enhanced significantly through substituting MPC with 10% FA or GBFS. Surface coating resulted in a maximum reduction of 8.15% in the crushing value, while the water absorption barely changed. In addition, modified RAC outperformed untreated RAC regarding compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and chloride ion penetration resistance with maximum optimization efficiencies of 31.58%, 49.75%, and 43.11%, respectively. It was also evidenced that the improved MPC paste properties enhanced the performance of modified RAC. Microanalysis revealed that MPC pastes exhibited an excellent bond with RCA or new mortar, and the newly formed interfacial transition zone between MPC and the fresh mortar exhibited a dense microstructure and outstanding micro-mechanical properties supported with an increase in the average microhardness value of 30.2–33.4%. Therefore, MPC pastes incorporating an appropriate mineral admixture have enormous potential to be utilized as effective RCA surface treatment materials and improve the operability of RCA application in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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13 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Nano-SiO₂ Content on Cement Paste and the Interfacial Transition Zone

by Shaofeng Zhang, Ronggui Liu, Chunhua Lu, Junqing Hong, Chunhong Chen and Jiajing Xu

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186310 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1147

Abstract

Nano-SiO₂ (NS) is widely used in cement-based materials due to its excellent physical properties. To study the influence of NS content on a cement paste and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), cement paste samples containing nano content ranging from 0 to 2% (by weight of cement) were prepared, and digital image correlation (DIC) technology was applied to test the mechanical properties. Finally, the optimal NS content was obtained with statistical analysis. The mini-slump cone test showed that, with the help of superplasticizer and ultrasonic treatment, the flowability decreased continuously, as the NS content increased. The DIC experimental results showed that NS could effectively improve the mechanical properties of the cement paste and the ITZ. Specifically, at the content level of 1%, the elastic modulus of cement paste and ITZ was 20.95 GPa and 3.20 GPa, respectively. When compared to that without nanomaterials, the increased amplitude was 73.50% and 90.50%, respectively. However, with the further increase in NS content, the mechanical properties decreased, which was mainly caused by the agglomeration of nanomaterials. Additionally, the NS content did not exhibit a significant effect on the thickness of the ITZ, and its value was maintained at 76.91–91.38 μm. SEM confirmed that NS would enhance the microstructure of both cement paste and ITZ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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14 pages, 6250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Graphene Oxide on the Pore-Throat Connection of Cement Waste Rock Backfill

by Zhangjianing Cheng, Junying Wang, Junxiang Hu, Shuaijie Lu, Yuan Gao, Jun Zhang and Siyao Wang

Materials 2023, 16(14), 4953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16144953 - 11 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1307

Abstract

The pore-throat characteristics significantly affect the consolidated properties, such as the mechanical and permeability-related performance of the cementitious composites. By virtue of the nucleation and pore-infilling effects, graphene oxide (GO) has been proven as a great additive in reinforcing cement-based materials. However, the quantitative characterization reports of GO on the pore-throat connection are limited. This study applied advanced metal intrusion and backscattered electron (BSE) microscopy scanning technology to investigate the pore-throat connection characteristics of the cement waste rock backfill (CWRB) specimens before and after GO modification. The results show that the microscopic pore structure of CWRB is significantly improved by the GO nanosheets, manifested by a decrease in the total porosity up to 31.2%. With the assistance of the GO, the transfer among internal pores is from large equivalent pore size distribution to small equivalent pore size distribution. The fitting relationship between strength enhancement and pore reinforcement efficiency under different pore-throat characteristics reveals that the 1.70 μm pore-throat owns the highest correlation in the CWRB specimens, implying apply GO nanosheets to optimizing the pore-throat under this interval is most efficient. Overall, this research broadens our understanding of the pore-throat connection characteristics of CWRB and stimulates the potential application of GO in enhancing the mechanical properties and microstructure of CWRB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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11 pages, 5930 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Constituent Phases and Micromechanical Properties of Steel Corrosion Layers Generated by Hyperbaric-Oxygen Accelerated Corrosion Test

by Baozhen Jiang, Kotaro Doi and Koichi Tsuchiya

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134521 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen-accelerated corrosion testing (HOACT) is a newly developed method to study in the labor the corrosion behavior of steel bars in concrete. This work aimed to intensively investigate the mechanical properties and microstructures of HOACT-generated corrosion products by means of nano-indentation tests, Raman micro-spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The local elastic modulus and nanohardness varied over wide ranges of 6.8–75.2 GPa and 0.38–4.44 GPa, respectively. Goethite, lepidocrocite, maghemite, magnetite, and akageneite phases were identified in the corrosion products. Most regions of the rust layer were composed of a complex and heterogeneous mix of different phases, while some regions were composed of maghemite or akageneite only. The relationship between the micromechanical properties and typical microstructural features is finally discussed at the micro-scale level. It was found that the porosity of corrosion products can significantly influence their micromechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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28 pages, 16046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effect of Protective Properties of Concretes with Similar Composition on the Corrosion Rate of Reinforcing Steel Induced by Chloride Ions

by Zofia Szweda, Justyna Kuziak, Liwia Sozańska-Jędrasik and Dominik Czachura

Materials 2023, 16(10), 3889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103889 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553

Abstract

This study presents a comparison of the protective properties of three concretes of similar composition on the effect of chloride ions. To determine these properties, the values of the diffusion and migration coefficients of chloride ions in concrete were determined using both standard methods and the thermodynamic ion migration model. We tested a comprehensive method for checking the protective properties of concrete against chlorides. This method can not only be used in various concretes, even those with only small differences in composition, but also in concretes with various types of admixtures and additives, such as PVA fibers. The research was carried out to address the needs of a manufacturer of prefabricated concrete foundations. The aim was to find a cheap and effective method of sealing the concrete produced by the manufacturer in order to carry out projects in coastal areas. Earlier diffusion studies showed good performance when replacing ordinary CEM I cement with metallurgical cement. The corrosion rates of the reinforcing steel in these concretes were also compared using the following electrochemical methods: linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy. The porosities of these concretes, determined using X-ray computed tomography for pore-related characterization, were also compared. Changes in the phase composition of corrosion products occurring in the steel–concrete contact zone were compared using scanning electron microscopy with a micro-area chemical analysis capability, in addition to X-ray microdiffraction, to study the microstructure changes. Concrete with CEM III cement was the most resistant to chloride ingress and therefore provided the longest period of protection against chloride-initiated corrosion. The least resistant was concrete with CEM I, for which, after two 7-day cycles of chloride migration in the electric field, steel corrosion started. The additional use of a sealing admixture can cause a local increase in the volume of pores in the concrete, and at the same time, a local weakening of the concrete structure. Concrete with CEM I was characterized as having the highest porosity at 140.537 pores, whereas concrete with CEM III (characterized by lower porosity) had 123.015 pores. Concrete with sealing admixture, with the same open porosity, had the highest number of pores, at 174.880. According to the findings of this study, and using a computed tomography method, concrete with CEM III showed the most uniform distribution of pores of different volumes, and had the lowest total number of pores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Characteristics, and Failure Behaviors of Cementitious Composites)

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