Employing atomic force microscopy technique and X-ray diffraction analysis to examine nanostructure and phase of glass concrete

The effect of waste glass as fine aggregate in concrete mixes was investigated at nano-level by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. In this technique, cantilever arm was operated in tapping mode on concrete samples to classify different phases such as CSH gel, un-hydrated cement particles and voids. The present study also examines the roughness at ITZ (interfacial transition zone) between aggregate and cement matrix. The images obtained through this technique showed dense formation of CSH gel with reduced roughness at 20% substitution level. In addition, hydration products were also studied by performing X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses which showed the enhanced formation of hydration products and ITZ at 20% replacement level.