Investigation of Mechanical Properties of M25 Grade Concrete Incorporating Nano-TiO2 and Coconut Fibers
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 2 (June 2025) pp. 139-145
Abstract
The research examines the impact of nano-TiO2 and coconut fibers as reinforcements on the mechanical properties of M25 grade concrete. The experimental tests determined compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the fiber reinforced concrete. Nano-TiO2 addition results in improved microstructural density and durability, while coconut fibers helped the material become more resistant to cracks and reduce brittleness, showing resistance to crack formation. Water-to-cement ratio was adjusted to fulfil specific workability and strength performance requirements. The study proves that the blend of nano-TiO2 with coconut fibers generates effective improvement in the mechanical characteristics of M25 grade concrete to support structural applications.
Full Text
Reference
Abdalla, J. A., Hawileh, R. A., Bahurudeen, A., Jyothsna, G., Sofi, A., Shanmugam, V. and Thomas, B. S., A comprehensive review on the use of natural fibers in cement/geopolymer concrete: A step towards sustainability, Case Stud. Constr. Mater., 19, e02244(2023).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02244
Döndüren, M. S. and Al-Hagri, M. G., A review of the effect and optimization of use of nano-TiO2 in cementitious composites, Res. Eng. Struct. Mater., 8(2), 283-305(2022).
https://doi.org/10.17515/resm2022.348st1005
Jakhar, S. K., Kumar, R., Beemkumar, N. and Singh, A., Nanotechnology and high-performance concrete: Evaluating mechanical transformations, Multidiscip. Rev., 6, 1-8(2024).
https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2023ss057
Jiang, R. S. and Wang, B. M., Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Graphene-Cement Composites, Key Eng. Mater., 748, 295–300 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.748.295
Jing, Y., Lee, J. C., Moon, W. C., Ng, J. L., Yew, M. K. and Chu, M. Y., Mechanical properties, permeability and microstructural characterisation of rice husk ash sustainable concrete with the addition of carbon nanotubes, Heliyon., 10(12), e32780(2024).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32780
Lumingkewas, R. H., Yuwono, A. H., Hadiwardoyo, S. P. and Saparudin, D., The Compressive Strength of Coconut Fibers Reinforced Nano Concrete Composite, Mater. Sci. Forum., 943, 105–110(2019).
https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.943.105
Morato, B. N., Guedes, V. S., Barbosa, R. A., Branco, L. A. M. N., Ribeiro, S. E. C., Flor, J. M., De Oliveira, D. M. and Almeida, M. L. B., Influence of Coconut Fiber Waste and Rice Husk Ash on Green Concrete, Rev. Gestão Social e Ambiental, 18(3), e04588 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n3-033
Natrayan, L., Kumar, P. V. A., Baskara Sethupathy, S., Sekar, S., Patil, P. P., Velmurugan, G. and Thanappan, S., Effect of Nano TiO2 Filler Addition on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo/Polyester Hybrid Composites and Parameters Optimized Using Grey Taguchi Method, Adsorpt. Sci. Technol., (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6768900
Prasad, V., Sekar, K. and Joseph, M. A., Mechanical and water absorption properties of nano TiO2 coated flax fibre epoxy composites, Constr. Build. Mater., 284, 122803 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122803
Rathnam, V., Kichu, A., Dutta, N., Maji, T. K. and Devi, N., Influence of organically modified nanoclay and TiO2 nanopowder on the properties of Azadirachta indica wood flour-reinforced high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride nanocomposite, J. Thermoplast. Compos. Mater., 35(10), 1468–1487(2020).
https://doi.org/10.1177/0892705720935968
Srinivasa Perumal, K. P., Selvarajan, L., Kumar, P. M. and Shriguppikar, S., Enhancing mechanical and morphological properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy polymer composites through rutile nanoparticle incorporation, Prog. Addit. Manuf., 10, 831–848 (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-024-00675-0
Sujitha, V. S., Ramesh, B. and Xavier, J. R., Effects of nanomaterials on mechanical properties in cementitious construction materials for high-strength concrete applications: a review, J. Adhes. Sci. Technol., 38(20), 3737–3768 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1080/01694243.2024.2354093
Tanimola, J. O. and Efe, S., Recent advances in nano-modified concrete: Enhancing durability, strength, and sustainability through nano silica (nS) and nano titanium (nT) incorporation, Appl. Eng. Sci., 19, 100189(2024).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apples.2024.100189
Venkatachalam, G., Aravindh, S., Mark, M. P., Shenbaga Velu, P., Bharathraj, K., Varghese, A. K., Subramani, V. P., Ramakrishnan, R. and Manickam, S., Investigation of mechanical characteristics of coir fibre/hexagonal boron nitride reinforced polymer composite, Mater. Res. Express., 10(12), 125302 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad176c
Wei, X., Xiaoqing, W. and Chunmei, L., Effect of Nano-TiO2 and Polypropylene Fiber on Mechanical Properties and Durability of Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Int. J. Concr Struct Mater., 18, 28(2024).
