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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Determination of Aggregate Surface Morphology at the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ)

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Published on: December 16, 2019

Interfacial Characteristics of a Fly Ash-Based Artificial Aggregate.

Xiaoxing Zeng¹, Qijun Yu¹, Jiangxiong Wei¹

¹School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)

|July 15, 2026

Summary

Fly ash-based artificial aggregates were developed for concrete applications. While initial concrete strength was lower than with natural aggregates, the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) improved over time, showing potential for high-strength concrete.

Keywords:

alkali activation artificial aggregate elastic modulus fly ash interface transition zone strength

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Civil Engineering
Concrete Technology

Background:

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is an abundant pozzolanic material.
Developing sustainable construction materials from industrial byproducts like fly ash is crucial.
The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) significantly influences concrete's mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To prepare and characterize fly ash-based artificial aggregates.
To compare the mechanical properties and ITZ characteristics of concrete made with artificial aggregates versus natural aggregates.
To investigate the influence of matrix materials and curing conditions on ITZ performance.

Main Methods:

Cement and alkali activation methods were used to prepare artificial aggregates (>75% fly ash).
Concrete specimens with artificial and natural aggregates were prepared and tested for compressive strength.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and nanoindentation were used to analyze the ITZ structure and composition.

Main Results:

Concrete with artificial aggregates showed 19.0-27.6% lower compressive strength than with natural aggregates.
The ITZ in artificial aggregate concrete was initially looser (30-40 µm) but became denser over time (90 d).
Hydration products like C-S-H gel and calcite (cement matrix) or N-A-S-H and C-A-S-H (alkali-activated matrix) were identified in the ITZ.

Conclusions:

Fly ash-based artificial aggregates can be produced with high compressive strength.
The ITZ in artificial aggregate concrete matures over time, improving its structure and density.
Artificial aggregates, particularly in alkali-activated matrices, offer a promising route for developing durable, high-strength concrete with reduced cracking potential.