ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes the characterization and micro nanostructural surfaces and interfaces of Portland cement mortars used for flooring in civil works in a new way and the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a tool of characterization of Portland cement mortar. The AFM can be considered as a hybrid between the equipment for measuring the force on surfaces, and a surface profilometer. The ATM technique demonstrated to be a powerful and effective tool for micro and nanostructural characterization for the Portland-based materials. One of the main advantages of the technique of AFM is being able to work in different conditions and for studies of the properties of various materials in the ideal conditions for them, that is, samples at atmospheric pressure, since no vacuum is needed, and especially in controlled environmental conditions. Because it provides morphological three-dimentional data, the technique allows to analyze the morphology, the microtopography and the geometric surface area, Vaz, of solid samples.
