Title: Micro-structural and interfacial transition zone investigation on oil palm shell lightweight concrete

Authors: Muthumani Krishnamurthy; Swamy Nadh Vandanapu

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai – 600127, India ' School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai – 600127, India

Abstract: Oil palm shell (OPS) aggregates can be used as a replacement of coarse aggregate in concrete to produce lightweight concrete. OPS is found to absorb more water compared to normal aggregate. Hence, surface treatment is carried out on OPS and the effect of water cement ratio on strength of concrete is investigated. This paper presents X-ray diffraction analysis carried out for treated and non-treated OPS (NTOPS) aggregate to find the mineralogical characteristics. Microstructural analysis and interfacial transition zone is investigated for treated and NTOPS using digital image processing or digital microscope. The results of investigation is compared with conventional concrete.

Keywords: micro-structure; interfacial transition zone; treated oil palm shell; non-treated oil palm shell; lightweight concrete; conventional concrete; surface treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2019.102222

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2019 Vol.14 No.5, pp.448 - 461

Received: 07 Jan 2019
Accepted: 11 Apr 2019
Published online: 11 Sep 2019 *

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