Electron microscopy of ceramic materials based on thermal power plant fly ash

The importance of studying ceramic materials microstructure for controlling sintering processes which provide ceramic masses required performance characteristics is shown. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) informativity in carrying out parametric structural analysis of building materials is noted. The physical principles that ensure electron microscopy high resolution and the various optical systems characteristics used in microscopic research methods are given. The samples prepared on modern equipment with application of a conductive layer on their surface were investigated, SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out using a KYKY EM 6900 electron microscope. Microstructure and features of pore space of the ceramic materials based on thermal power plant fly ash have been studied. A step-by-step procedure for setting up and conducting experiments is described, including study of the matrix structure at microscope resolution different limits, study of the matrix composite nuclei pore microstructure and the sample scanned surface elemental composition. The total elements concentration of EDS spectrum of the ceramic sample based on fly ash is presented. The SEM studies results are described indicating the peculiarities of the ceramic composite matrix structure formation that is a boundary layer forming a transition zone between the matrix and the core of the composite material. Features of the nuclei pore space fiber structure formation with fibers disorderly arrangement and abundance of air spaces between them.