Abstract

The elements governing modifications to the wettability characteristics of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) following high power diode laser (HPDL) surface treatment have been identified. Changes in the contact angle, , and hence the wettability characteristics of the OPC after HPDL treatment were attributed to: reductions in the surface roughness of the OPC; the increase in the surface O2 content of the ceramic and the increase in the polar component of the surface energy, . What is more, the degree of influence exerted by each element has been qualitatively ascertained and was found to differ markedly. Surface energy, by way of microstructural changes, was found to be by far the most predominant element governing the wetting characteristics of the OPC. To a much lesser extent, surface O2 content, by way of process gas, was also seen to influence to a changes in the wettability characteristics of the OPC, whilst surface roughness was found to play a minor role in inducing changes in the wettability characteristics.