| Abstract: | Chemical modifications carried out on unique amorphous nano‐structured calcium silicate have been traced by time‐of‐flight heavy‐ion elastic recoil detection analysis (HERDA). It could be shown that this ion‐beam analysis method allows not only surface but also depth analysis of the silicate samples and the modifications effected upon it. While providing a challenge for standard analysis methods, the highly porous, low‐density nature of the calcium silicate proved to be an asset for the ion‐beam analysis technique chosen. Presented are depth profiles giving elemental compositions and providing the bases for representative chemical formula for the silicates studied. It was proven that a study of the surface composition of this nano‐structured silicate is sufficient for indicating the bulk composition of a sample of this material. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
