I want to investigate the microscopic structure of corncob ash; to help on my current research works on the rheology and strength characteristics of self-compacting concrete incorporating corncob ash as a replacement for cement.
This will depend on the size of your ash. With a magnification of x1000 you will be able to distinguish between features of approximately 1 µm. Normally, you will be able to quickly change the magnification when measuring.
It depends how fine is your sample. Normally you can distinguish in a non high resolution SEM particles of ~1µm in good focus. Regular SEM will do the job. Make sure you don't put too much sample, as different heights can interrupt the scanning (contrast etc...). However, it also depends on the filament. If it is close to its finish-line sometimes it can interfere with your ability to focus in higher magnification.
Oladipupo Olafusi, with SEM, you can vary the magnification, focus, and contrast. Therefore, with your prepared sample you should be able to observe the smallest particles of corncob ash, at least clearly up to 1 micro. So, if you can be able to magnify to the level of seeing the smallest particle, as well as a few conglomerates (if present), you should be good to go. That should be a good representative SEM image of your material. So between x1000 ~ x1500 should be good. Please judge based on what you see.
The purpose of using corncob characterization should be clear as cement replacement pozzolanic material. In order to get pozzolanic ash, an appropriate incineration regime is needed. The amorphous ash will be a kind of border line pozzolanic material.The average particle size D 50, will decide many things including water demand, setting times, rhelogical and strength response. The size to be selected depends on what purpose you want to achieve? A size in the range of 4-7 microns may pack the binder phase and result in high water demand with possible high pozzolanic activity. If the size D50 is greater than cement particle size, then a different response is obtained. Once the sample is properly prepared, you can choose many magnifications. In fact you should use two or three magnifications as each one will give you different information. The suggested magnifications are 200, 500 and 1000.Please get EDAX results with these magnifications.
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