Recent Advances in Evaluation of intrinsic mechanical properties of cementitious composites using nanoindentation technique

The mechanical-, physical- and durability- properties of cementitious composites depend on the material structure and its interaction behaviour at the micro and nano scales. To tailor the properties of cementitious composites according to design requirement at macro scale, it is necessary to comprehend the mechanical properties of the constituent phases at micro and nano scales. With recent interest and application of nanoindentation technique on heterogeneous materials: bone matter to cementitious materials, nanoindentation has proven to be a reliable method to explore microstructural mechanical properties and expand the knowledge base in respect to the process and structure of hydration of cementitious composites. However, complexities like heterogeneity, stringent requirement for sample preparation, no straight forward way of interpretation of results, time consuming experiments, etc., are considered as deterrents for use of such modern technique for cement research. Hence, this study will provide comprehensive knowledge, promising aspects and latest understandings towards the use of nanoindentation for evaluation of mechanical properties of cementitious composites.