In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Investigation of Fracture Mechanisms in a Calcium Aluminate MDF Cement.

Abstract

ABSTRACTFracture mechanisms in calcium aluminate macro-defect-free-cement were studied by in situ deformation in the TEM. Fracture occurred predominantly at the cement / polymer interface. The toughening mechanism involved crack bridging at the interphase / polymer interface. XPS studies of the chemistry of the interphase revealed it to be made up of an AlOC complex in addition to the amorphous hydration product phase.