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Article summary:
1. Interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregate and PC paste is a weak region in concrete that has an important impact on its mechanical properties, transport properties and durability.
2. Studies have been conducted to compare ITZs in alkali-activated slag and PC concrete, but similar studies on alkali-activated fly ash geopolymer are still limited.
3. This study compared the ITZs of geopolymer and PC concretes with equivalent flowability by using modelled ITZs, backscattered electron (BSE) image statistical analysis, and nanoindentation investigation.
Article analysis:
This article provides a comparison of the properties of interfacial transition zones (ITZs) in fly ash-based geopolymer and Portland cement concretes with equivalent flowability. The article is well written and provides a comprehensive overview of the research conducted on this topic, including microstructural observations, element analysis, width measurement based on backscattered electron (BSE) images, bond strength tests, chemical bonding structure analysis, as well as micro- and nano-mechanical properties tests. The authors also provide an innovative method for preparing modelled ITZs which allows for accurate grid nanoindentation on the initial ITZ regions and reduces the influential factors that may affect the test results.
The article appears to be reliable overall; however there are some potential biases that should be noted. For example, the authors do not explore any counterarguments or present both sides equally when discussing their findings. Additionally, while they provide evidence for their claims made throughout the article, there is some missing evidence for certain claims such as those related to nanomechanical testing results which could be further explored in future research. Furthermore, possible risks associated with using fly ash-based geopolymer are not noted in this article which could be addressed in future research as well.
In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the comparison between ITZs in fly ash-based geopolymer and Portland cement concretes with equivalent flowability; however there are some potential biases that should be noted such as lack of exploration of counterarguments or presenting both sides equally when discussing their findings as well as missing evidence for certain claims made throughout the article which could be further explored in future research.