@article{46b383cfeb304f4cb0637d84678cb8e1,
title = "Quantitative microstructural investigation of 3D-printed and cast cement pastes using micro-computed tomography and image analysis",
abstract = "Microstructural phases and mechanical properties of lamellar 3D-printed and cast hardened cement paste (hcp) elements were investigated using a lab-based X-ray microscope at two levels of magnification (0.4× and 4×). K-means clustering was used for quantitative image analysis. The entire volume of intact 3-days-old 3D-printed and cast hcp elements was characterized at 0.4× magnification. Three microstructural features (macro-pores, micro-channels, and interfacial micro-pores) were found to reside in three distinct pore size domains. The largest pores of the 3D-printed element were larger than the largest pores of the reference cast hcp element. Moreover, the smallest pore sizes of the 3D-printed element were found to be smaller than those present in the cast counterparts. Micro-channels were found to be connected to one another through the micro-pores present at interfacial regions, indicating the presence of a uniquely patterned and interconnected pore network. The role of locally weak and porous interfaces on mechanical response and fracture properties is discussed.",
keywords = "3D-printing, Hardened cement paste (hcp), Image analysis, Interfaces, Interfacial micro-pores, Macro-pores, Micro-channels, Micro-CT",
author = "Reza Moini and Ahmadreza Baghaie and Rodriguez, {Fabian B.} and Zavattieri, {Pablo D.} and Youngblood, {Jeffrey P.} and Jan Olek",
note = "Funding Information: This work was supported by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) [Award Number 1562927 ]. The authors gratefully acknowledge the generous support of this collaborative research by Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) of NSF. The authors also acknowledge invaluable discussions with other members of the collaborative NSF project, Dr. Joseph Biernacki of the Tennessee Technological University and Dr. Florence Sanchez of Vanderbilt University. We would also like to thank the BASF chemicals company for providing materials. Lastly, we would also like to thank the 2017 Major Multi-User Equipment Program, offered by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue University, for supporting the acquisition of the X-ray microscope (micro-CT) used in data reviewed in this research. Funding Information: This work was supported by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) [Award Number 1562927]. The authors gratefully acknowledge the generous support of this collaborative research by Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) of NSF. The authors also acknowledge invaluable discussions with other members of the collaborative NSF project, Dr. Joseph Biernacki of the Tennessee Technological University and Dr. Florence Sanchez of Vanderbilt University. We would also like to thank the BASF chemicals company for providing materials. Lastly, we would also like to thank the 2017 Major Multi-User Equipment Program, offered by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue University, for supporting the acquisition of the X-ray microscope (micro-CT) used in data reviewed in this research. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021 Elsevier Ltd",
year = "2021",
month = sep,
doi = "10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106493",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "147",
journal = "Cement and Concrete Research",
issn = "0008-8846",
publisher = "Elsevier Limited",
}