Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Incorporate with Coated Expanded Polystyrene Beads

Abstract. Coated Expanded polystyrene (CEPS) mortar is a new lightweight building material that demonstrate a good mechanical properties by improving it interfacial bonding properties. By using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with high resolution imaging, the mortar morphology at different ages (7, 14 and 28 days) can be observed. The results shows that coated EPS bead provide a good bonding as there is no gap in the interfacial surface at 28 days.