Microstructure of recycled aggregate concrete observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (IMAGE)

Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral

Microstructure of recycled aggregate concrete observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Caption

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealing the internal microstructure of concrete produced with 30% recycled aggregate. The main phases identified include calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), portlandite, and calcium carbonate. In mixtures containing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), a greater presence of calcium carbonate was observed due to the carbonation of the adhered mortar, which densifies the matrix and contributes to maintaining mechanical strength.

Credit

André Pico-Molineros, Eduardo Sanchez-Rojas, Dan V. Bompa, Natividad García-Troncoso / ESPOL Polytechnic University & University of Surrey

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