The effect of metakaolin and hybrid polymers on the microstructure of
concrete

Oleiwi, HM; Wang, Y; Augusthus Nelson, L; Wang, Y; Whittleston, G; Muttashar, M

Abstract

It has been established that metakaolin (MK) can be applied as a supplementary cementitious material and
that some polymers can enhance substantial properties of concrete. Previous studies showed that, when used
in combination, MK and polymers can complement each other, and enhance further the mechanical and
durability properties of concrete, which were not improved by one another separately. To have a deep
observation and understanding of the mechanism of concretes modified with various combinations of MK
and polymers, this study investigates the changes in the microstructures based on SEM combined with CT
scan analysis scan technologies. The findings show that the microstructure of the pore of hardened concrete
modified with combined MK and hybrid polymers is significantly improved compared to samples with MK
or polymers alone. This indicates that this approach can be effectively used to provide additional proof on
the strength and porosity properties of high-performance concrete.

Citation

concrete. Periodicals of engineering and natural sciences, 9(1), 162-173

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 17, 2021
• Journal: Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 162-173
• Publisher URL: http://pen.ius.edu.ba/index.php/pen/article/view/1782
• Related Public URLs: https://doi.org/10.21533/pen