Comparative Investigations on Nanomechanical Properties of Hardened Cement Paste
摘要
This chapter investigates the nanomechanical properties of hardened cement paste using three techniques: nanoindentation, modulus mapping, and PeakForce QNM. Nanoindentation provides an overview of the mechanical properties over larger areas, while modulus mapping and PeakForce QNM offer higher spatial resolution for smaller regions. The results show that the average elastic modulus measured by these techniques is generally consistent, but differences in modulus distribution are attributed to local confinement effects and interactions between phases. Modulus mapping reveals a broader range of elastic modulus compared to nanoindentation due to its higher resolution. PeakForce QNM further provides detailed nanoscale mechanical properties, detecting variations in grain packing and interfaces within the cement paste. The study concludes that while all three methods provide valuable insights, PeakForce QNM is particularly effective for detailed nanoscale characterization, and the choice of technique should be guided by the specific requirements of the investigation.