Quantifying the microstructure and phase assemblage of alkali-activated fly ash/slag materials by EDS mapping analysis

Lihui Li; Jian Yang; Huanyu Li

Materials & Design (Oct 2023)

Quantifying the microstructure and phase assemblage of alkali-activated fly ash/slag materials by EDS mapping analysis

Lihui Li,
Jian Yang,
Huanyu Li

Affiliations

Lihui Li: State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Digital Maintenance of Buildings and Infrastructure, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Corresponding authors at: State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
Jian Yang: State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Digital Maintenance of Buildings and Infrastructure, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; School of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Corresponding authors at: State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
Huanyu Li: State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Digital Maintenance of Buildings and Infrastructure, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 234
p. 112320

Abstract

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Accurately quantifying the proportions and distributions of reaction products is crucial for interpreting reaction mechanisms and microstructure evolution in alkaline activated fly ash/slag pastes. However, existing techniques are limited in their ability to provide a comprehensive and visual analysis. This paper presents a versatile energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping analysis that enables image enhancement, phase extraction, and component classification in the alkaline-activated materials (AAMs) -irrespective of the nature and quality of element mappings. The proposed methodology effectively removes the detection noise that inherently existed in EDS mappings, subsequently reinforcing the accuracy of the clustering analysis. The phase extraction procedure allows for obtaining the proportion of pores, reaction products, and unreacted solid precursors (SPs). Moreover, the component classification procedure enables further categorization of the reaction products and unreacted SPs. By analyzing the element ratios and shortest distances, the chemical compositions and spatial distributions of various reaction products could be revealed. Through the application of different analysis schemes, a consistent tendency was obtained, validating the practicability and reliability of this methodology.

Published in Materials & Design

ISSN: 0264-1275 (Print); 1873-4197 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/materials-and-design

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