TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON HYDRATED CALCIUM-ALUMINATE CEMENTS.

Abstract

Transmission electron microscope studies were performed on a series of calcium-aluminate MDF-type cements (SECAR 71-LaFarge). In order to preserve the morphological nature of the cements, samples containing various concentrations of PVA were prepared by grinding the hydrated cements, suspending the powder in hexane, then depositing the suspension on carbon films supported by microscope grids, with subsequent evaporation of the liquid. Using high resolution microscopy we were able to observe lattice fringe microstructure.