Effect and Microscopic Mechanisms of Slag Micropowder on the Reinforcement of CaCO3 Whisker in Cement Composites

Abstract

Whisker pull-out, which indicates that the interfacial bond strength of whiskers/cement is not high enough, is dominant in the microstructure of whisker-reinforced cement fractured surfaces. The weak interfacial bond of whiskers in cement matrix severely restrained the further improvement of properties. Superfine slag powder was used to modify and improve the strength and bond behavior of whisker-reinforced cement. Crystal structures, microcosmic appearances and characterizations of Slag Micro powder and the composite were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scan electron microscope (SEM/EDS), etc. Effect and mechanisms of different Slag powder content on the micro-structure and macro-properties of cement composite were investigated. The results show that Slag Micropowder can modify and improve the microstructure, interfacial and mechanical properties of whisker-reinforced cement.