Because the phase present at each pixel in an image is available as output from the microstructure model, simulated X-ray images can be easily produced. For example, a binary X-ray image for iron could be produced by highlighting all pixels where C4AF or FH3 is present. To demonstrate this process, Figure 8 shows binary X-ray images for calcium, silicon, iron, and aluminum for both the initial and hydrated interfacial zone model microstructures shown in Figure 6. In each case, the images to the left of the grey aggregate are the initial element distributions. Images on the right are mirror images of the ones on the left, but after 150 cycles of hydration. Here, it is clearly observed that the elements assigned a higher mobility in the model such as calcium and aluminum are indeed dispersed throughout the microstructure during hydration, while the iron and silicon remain relatively close to their initial locations. These X-ray images could be compared to similar images obtained on real hydrated systems to validate and further improve the microstructure model.
Figure 8. X-ray images for simulated interfacial zone microstructures from Figure 6