Haard Shukla, Harshit Dubey, Devindar Singh, Abhiraj Jadeja, Naimish Bhatt
Abstract: In the paper, the integration of nanoparticles, particularly nano-silica, has emerged as a transformative force in enhancing material properties. This paper presents a detailed investigation that scrutinizes the impact of nano-silica on cement paste when introduced before or after the mixing process. By taking advantage of the filler effect of nano-sized particles, nano-silica has shown remarkable potential in increasing the compressive strength of cement paste, mortar, and concrete, leading to the development of denser and more resilient products. The results obtained from both pre-mix and post-mix samples reveal a trend of increasing strength up to a certain percentage of nano-silica incorporation, beyond which a slight decrease is observed. The study demonstrates that a nano-silica percentage of 3.5% yields optimal strength, with a subsequent decline in strength at higher incorporation levels. Moreover, the investigation highlights the superiority of post-mix samples in terms of strength gain, with notable improvements observed at 7, 14, and 28 days. The findings underscore the critical importance of the incorporation technique employed, with post-mix techniques showing enhanced strength gains compared to pre-mix methods. By studying the relationship between tiny particles of silica (called nano-silica) and materials used in cement production (called cementitious matrices), research aim to better understand how these materials interact and how they can be used to make stronger and more durable concrete structures, this study paves the way for innovative advancements in construction materials. It offers a compelling case for the strategic utilization of nano-silica to elevate the quality and durability of infrastructure projects.
Keywords: Nano-silica, Cement paste, Compressive strength, Pre-mix technique, post-mix technique, Concrete properties, Nanoparticles, Material composition Construction industry Infrastructure durability
Date Published: July 15, 2024 DOI: 10.11159/ijci.2024.009
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