5373.1:
Preparation technique for building materials for the study with AFM on a molecular level
Abstract
Heat and moisture transport processes in porous building materials as concrete, brick etc. play an important role for the durability of structures and also for the wellbeing of the inhabitants. Up to now these processes are treated on a macrosopic level. Any further progress needs an understanding on the molecular level: what do water molecules do on the internal surfaces of such materials? This would be the base for molecular models of these processes and later on the base for a molecularely founded design of new materials with desired properties. As a first step, the necessary technique shall be developed to prepare the particles of porous materials in a way, allowing the study of water films on their surfaces with AFM on a molecular level.