Investigation by atomic force microscopy of forces at the origin of cement cohesion

In cement paste, the cohesion results of the interactions between calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) surfaces in an interstitial ionic solution. (N, V, T) Monte Carlo simulations show that the interactions are due to the ion correlation forces influenced by the surface charge density, the ionic concentration and the ion valence. This paper deals with the direct measurement in solutions by atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the forces and the interaction ranges between a probe and an atomically smooth substrate covered by CSH nanoparticles. Different electrolytic solutions (Ca(OH)2, CaCl2, NaCl, NaOH) have been used in order to determine influent parameters permitting to identify the nature of acting forces. Investigations have been rendered possible by selecting appropriate experimental setup and solutions. The selected probe and substrate on which CSH nanoparticles have previously grown are neutral regarding the reactivity during experiments permitting the exchange of solutions. Results show that a force originates from electrostatic nature and differs from Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Agreement is found between experiments and (N,V,T) Monte Carlo simulations of ionic correlation forces. These forces are at the origin of the cohesion of cement paste.