Skip to main content

Influence of Nano-Silica on Characteristics of Cement Mortar and Concrete

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Book cover Sustainable Construction and Building Materials

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering ((LNCE,volume 25))

Abstract

The use of nanotechnology is of prominent research interest in the construction industry. Introducing nanomaterials into cementitious systems enhances its characteristic material properties. Nano-silica is the most efficient nanomaterial in replacing cement without compromising its strength and durability. Nano-silica also enhances the properties of cement when in conjugation with other supplementary cementitious materials. Nano-silica offers high chemical reactivity and introduces filler effect in the cement matrix, thereby densifying the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and improving the properties of cement-based materials. However, the addition of nano-silica more than the optimum dosage reduces the strength and durability. Apart from the dosage, many other parameters also influence the properties of nano-slica blended cement composites. This study deals with the changes in characteristic properties of cement and cement-based materials upon incorporation of nano-silica.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Ogbeide, S. O. (2010). Developing an optimization model for CO2 reduction in cement production process. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 3(3), 85–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Flores, I., Sobolev, K., Torres-Martinez, L., Cuellar, E., Valdez, P., & Zarazua, E. (2010). Performance of cement systems with nano-SiO2 particles produced by using the sol-gel method. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2141, 10–14. https://doi.org/10.3141/2141-03.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Farshchi, S., Booshehrian, A., & Hosseini, P. (2010). Influence of nano-SiO2 addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of cement mortars for ferrocement. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2141, 15–20. https://doi.org/10.3141/2141-04.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Hosseini, P., Afshar, A., Vafaei, B., Booshehrian, A., Molaei Raisi, E., & Esrafili, A. (2017). Effects of nano-clay particles on the short-term properties of self-compacting concrete. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 21, 127–147. https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2015.1096308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Supit, S. W. M. (2014). Shaikh FUA (2014) Effect of nano-CaCO3 on compressive strength development of high volume fly ash mortars and concretes. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 12, 178–186. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.12.178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Li, H., Xiao, H. G., Yuan, J., & Ou, J. (2004). Microstructure of cement mortar with nano-particles. Composites Part B: Engineering, 35, 185–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-8368(03)00052-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Nazari, A., & Riahi, S. (2011). The role of SiO2 nanoparticles and ground granulated blast furnace slag admixtures on physical, thermal and mechanical properties of self compacting concrete. Materials Science and Engineering A, 528, 2149–2157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2010.11.064.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ma, B., Li, H., Mei, J., Li, X., & Chen, F. (2015). Effects of nano-TiO2 on the toughness and durability of cement-based material. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/583106.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Aly, M., Hashmi, M. S. J., Olabi, A. G., Messeiry, M., & Hussain, A. I. (2011). Effect of nano clay particles on mechanical, thermal and physical behaviours of waste-glass cement mortars. Materials Science and Engineering A, 528, 7991–7998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2011.07.058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Sanchez, F., & Sobolev, K. (2010). Nanotechnology in concrete—A review. Construction and Building Materials, 24, 2060–2071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.03.014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Aly, M., Hashmi, M. S. J., Olabi, A. G., Messeiry, M., Abadir, E. F., & Hussain, A. I. (2012). Effect of colloidal nano-silica on the mechanical and physical behaviour of waste-glass cement mortar. Materials and Design, 33, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2011.07.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Mohamed, A. M. (2016). Influence of nano materials on flexural behavior and compressive strength of concrete. HBRC J., 12, 212–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.11.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Givi, A. N., Rashid, S. A., & Aziz, F. N. A. (2010). Salleh MAM (2010) Experimental investigation of the size effects of SiO2 nano-particles on the mechanical properties of binary blended concrete. Composites Part B: Engineering, 41, 673–677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2010.08.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Heidari, A., & Tavakoli, D. (2013). A study of the mechanical properties of ground ceramic powder concrete incorporating nano-SiO2 particles. Construction and Building Materials, 38, 255–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.07.110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Kawashima, S., Hou, P., Corr, D. J., & Shah, S. P. (2013). Modification of cement-based materials with nanoparticles. Cement and Concrete Composites, 36, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2012.06.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Stefanidou, M., & Papayianni, I. (2012). Influence of nano-SiO2 on the Portland cement pastes. Composites Part B: Engineering, 43, 2706–2710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.12.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Kong, D., Du, X., Wei, S., Zhang, H., Yang, Y., & Shah, S. P. (2012). Influence of nano-silica agglomeration on microstructure and properties of the hardened cement-based materials. Construction and Building Materials, 37, 707–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.08.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Oltulu, M., & Şahin, R. (2013). Effect of nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3 and nano-Fe2O3 powders on compressive strengths and capillary water absorption of cement mortar containing fly ash: A comparative study. Energy and Buildings, 58, 292–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.12.014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Pourjavadi, A., Fakoorpoor, S. M., Khaloo, A., & Hosseini, P. (2012). Improving the performance of cement-based composites containing superabsorbent polymers by utilization of nano-SiO2 particles. Materials and Design, 42, 94–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.05.030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhang, M. H., Islam, J., & Peethamparan, S. (2012). Use of nano-silica to increase early strength and reduce setting time of concretes with high volumes of slag. Cement and Concrete Composites, 34, 650–662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2012.02.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Li, H., Zhang, M., & Ou, J. (2006). Abrasion resistance of concrete containing nano-particles for pavement. Wear, 260, 1262–1266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Ltifi, M., Guefrech, A., Mounanga, P., & Khelidj, A. (2011). Experimental study of the effect of addition of nano-silica on the behaviour of cement mortars. Procedia Engineering, 10, 900–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.04.148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Gesoglu, M., Güneyisi, E., Asaad, D. S., & Muhyaddin, G. F. (2016). Properties of low binder ultra-high performance cementitious composites: comparison of nanosilica and microsilica. Construction and Building Materials, 102, 706–713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.11.020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Hou, P., Kawashima, S., Kong, D., Corr, D. J., Qian, J., & Shah, S. P. (2013). Modification effects of colloidal nano SiO2 on cement hydration and its gel property. Composites Part B: Engineering, 45, 440–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.05.056.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Sharkawi, A. M., Abd-Elaty, M. A., & Khalifa, O. H. (2018). Synergistic influence of micro-nano silica mixture on durability performance of cementious materials. Construction and Building Materials, 164, 579–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.01.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Flores, Y. C., Cordeiro, G. C., Toledo Filho, R. D., & Tavares, L. M. (2017). Performance of Portland cement pastes containing nano-silica and different types of silica. Construction and Building Materials, 146, 524–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.069.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Rupasinghe, M., San Nicolas, R., Mendis, P., Sofi, M., & Ngo, T. (2017). Investigation of strength and hydration characteristics in nano-silica incorporated cement paste. Cement and Concrete Composites, 80, 17–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.02.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Barkoula, N. M., Ioannou, C., Aggelis, D. G., & Matikas, T. E. (2016). Optimization of nano-silica’s addition in cement mortars and assessment of the failure process using acoustic emission monitoring. Construction and Building Materials, 125, 546–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.08.055.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Cai, Y., Hou, P., Cheng, X., Du, P., & Ye, Z. (2017). The effects of nano SiO2 on the properties of fresh and hardened cement-based materials through its dispersion with silica fume. Construction and Building Materials, 148, 770–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.05.091.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Mei, J., Ma, B., Tan, H., Li, H., Liu, X., Jiang, W., et al. (2018). Influence of steam curing and nano silica on hydration and microstructure characteristics of high volume fly ash cement system. Construction and Building Materials, 171, 83–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.056.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Berra, M., Carassiti, F., Mangialardi, T., Paolini, A. E., & Sebastiani, M. (2012). Effects of nanosilica addition on workability and compressive strength of Portland cement pastes. Construction and Building Materials, 35, 666–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.04.132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Lin, K. L., Chang, W. C., Lin, D. F., Luo, H. L., & Tsai, M. C. (2008). Effects of nano-SiO2 and different ash particle sizes on sludge ash-cement mortar. Journal of Environmental Management, 88, 708–714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.03.036.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Senff, L., Labrincha, J. A., Ferreira, V. M., Hotza, D., & Repette, W. L. (2009). Effect of nano-silica on rheology and fresh properties of cement pastes and mortars. Construction and Building Materials, 23, 2487–2491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.02.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Ganesh Rathod, N., Moharana, N. C., & Parashar, S. K. S. (2018). Effect of nano-SiO2 on physical and electrical properties of PPC cement using complex impedance spectroscopy. Materials Today: Proceedings, 5, 193–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.11.071.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Mohammed, B. S., Liew, M. S., Alaloul, W. S., Khed, V. C., Hoong, C. Y., & Adamu, M. (2018). Properties of nano-silica modified pervious concrete. Case studies in construction materials, 8, 409–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2018.03.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Hanif, A., Parthasarathy, P., Ma, H., Fan, T., & Li, Z. (2017). Properties improvement of fly ash cenosphere modified cement pastes using nano silica. Cement and Concrete Composites, 81, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.04.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Shaikh, F. U. A., Shafaei, Y., & Sarker, P. K. (2016). Effect of nano and micro-silica on bond behaviour of steel and polypropylene fibres in high volume fly ash mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 115, 690–698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.090.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Li, L. G., Huang, Z. H., Zhu, J., Kwan, A. K. H., & Chen, H. Y. (2017). Synergistic effects of micro-silica and nano-silica on strength and microstructure of mortar. Construction and Building Materials, 140, 229–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.02.115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Atahan, H. N., & Arslan, K. M. (2016). Improved durability of cement mortars exposed to external sulfate attack: The role of nano and micro additives. Sustainable Cities and Society, 22, 40–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2016.01.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Chithra, S., & Senthil Kumar, S. R. R. (2016). Chinnaraju K (2016) The effect of colloidal nano-silica on workability, mechanical and durability properties of high performance concrete with copper slag as partial fine aggregate. Construction and Building Materials, 113, 794–804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.03.119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Fathi, M., Yousefipour, A., & Hematpoury Farokhy, E. (2017). Mechanical and physical properties of expanded polystyrene structural concretes containing Micro-silica and Nano-silica. Construction and Building Materials, 136, 590–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.01.040.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Isfahani, F. T., Redaelli, E., Lollini, F., Li, W., & Bertolini, L. (2016). Effects of nanosilica on compressive strength and durability properties of concrete with different water to binder ratios. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8453567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Mukharjee, B. B., & Barai, S. V. (2015). Development of construction materials using nano-silica and aggregates recycled from construction and demolition waste. Waste Management and Research, 33, 515–523. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X15584840.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Durgun, M. Y., & Atahan, H. N. (2018). Strength, elastic and microstructural properties of SCCs’ with colloidal nano silica addition. Construction and Building Materials, 158, 295–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.10.041.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Li, L. G., Zheng, J. Y., Zhu, J., & Kwan, A. K. H. (2018). Combined usage of micro-silica and nano-silica in concrete: SP demand, cementing efficiencies and synergistic effect. Construction and Building Materials, 168, 622–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Son, H. M., Park, S. M., Jang, J. G., & Lee, H. K. (2018). Effect of nano-silica on hydration and conversion of calcium aluminate cement. Construction and Building Materials, 169, 819–825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Adamu, M., Mohammed, B. S., & Shahir Liew, M. (2018). Mechanical properties and performance of high volume fly ash roller compacted concrete containing crumb rubber and nano silica. Construction and Building Materials, 171, 521–538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Erdem, S., Hanbay, S., & Güler, Z. (2018). Micromechanical damage analysis and engineering performance of concrete with colloidal nano-silica and demolished concrete aggregates. Construction and Building Materials, 171, 634–642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.197.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Atmaca, N., Abbas, M. L., & Atmaca, A. (2017). Effects of nano-silica on the gas permeability, durability and mechanical properties of high-strength lightweight concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 147, 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Güneyisi, E., Gesoglu, M., Azez, O. A., & Öz, H. Ö. (2016). Effect of nano silica on the workability of self-compacting concretes having untreated and surface treated lightweight aggregates. Construction and Building Materials, 115, 371–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.055.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. El, S. A., Kishar, E. A., & Zedan, S. R. (2016). Mohamed RA Effect of nano-SiO2 (NS) on dolomite concrete towards alkali silica reaction. HBRC J, 2, 2–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2016.08.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Zabihi, N., & Hulusi Ozkul, M. (2018). The fresh properties of nano silica incorporating polymer-modified cement pastes. Construction and Building Materials, 168, 570–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.084.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Massana, J., Reyes, E., Bernal, J., León, N., & Sánchez-Espinosa, E. (2018). Influence of nano- and micro-silica additions on the durability of a high-performance self-compacting concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 165, 93–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Liu, M., Zhou, Z., Zhang, X., Yang, X., & Cheng, X. (2016). The synergistic effect of nano-silica with blast furnace slag in cement based materials. Construction and Building Materials, 126, 624–631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.09.078.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Muthu, M., & Santhanam, M. (2018). Effect of reduced graphene oxide, alumina and silica nanoparticles on the deterioration characteristics of Portland cement paste exposed to acidic environment. Cement and Concrete Composites, 91, 118–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.05.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Bahurudeen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Varghese, J., Gopinath, A., Bahurudeen, A., Senthilkumar, R. (2019). Influence of Nano-Silica on Characteristics of Cement Mortar and Concrete. In: Das, B., Neithalath, N. (eds) Sustainable Construction and Building Materials. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering , vol 25. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3317-0_75

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3317-0_75

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-13-3316-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-13-3317-0

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics