Direct analysis of microaggregates shrinkage for drying: Application to microaggregates from a Brasilian clayey Ferralsol

Subrounded microaggregates 100 to 500 μm in diameter were collected in a Ferralsol located in the state of Goiàs. Observation of these microaggregates in dry conditions in scanning electron microscopy showed morphological characteristics that are representative of microaggregates described earlier in many Ferralsols. The shrinkage for drying of initially water saturated microaggregates was studied using an environmental scanning electron microscope. Results showed very small shrinkage for the microaggregates usually studied. However, the shrinkage varies since the volume of dried microaggregates was found to be 93 to 99% of their volume when they are saturated. To cite this article: N. Volland-Tuduri et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).