Open Access

Investigation of Microstructural Properties of Nano-modified Concrete for Sustainable Environment

K. Srinivasan, ksrinivasan@psnacet.edu.in
Department of Civil Engineering, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, TN, India S. Vivek, Department of Civil Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam, AP, India K. Mujiburrahman Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, TN, India

---

---

Abstract

The creation and evaluation of Nano-modified concrete, with an emphasis on its microstructural characteristics, is the main goal of this extensive study. The inclusion of nanosilica and nanoclay not only enhances the characteristics of concrete but also contributes to mitigating soil pollution. By adding nanosilica and nanoclay as additional cementitious materials, the study intends to assess the structural integrity of nano-modified concrete using cutting-edge techniques like Scanning electron microscopy, Transition electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Four different concrete compositions with variable amounts of nanosilica and nanoclay additions (0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of nano additives by weight of fine aggregate) and a 3% cement replacement rate were cast and evaluated throughout the experimental phase. A comparison with regular concrete revealed significant improvements in microstructures, demonstrating the efficacy of nano-modified concrete without sacrificing necessary characteristics. Slump values increased with the addition of nano-silica and nanoclay, indicating better workability and smoother concrete surfaces. The study's findings indicate that the development of Nano-modified concrete has great potential as an advanced building material. In addition to providing instant structural gains, the use of nanosilica and nanoclay enhances the long-term performance of concrete buildings and creates new opportunities for creative and long-lasting building techniques.

Full Text

Reference

---

Akshana, V., Arasu, A. N. and Karthigaiselvi, P., Experimental study on concrete by partial replcament cement with silica fume, J. Crit. Rev., 7(17), 3801-3805 (2020).

Aly, M., Hashmi, M. S. J., Olabi, A. G., Messeiry, M., Abadir, E. F. and Hussain, A. I., Effect of colloidal nano-silica on the mechanical and physical behaviour of waste-glass cement mortar, Mater. Des., 33, 127-135 (2012).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2011.07.008

Arasu, A. N., Natarajan, M., Balasundaram, N. and Parthasaarathi, R., Development of high-performance concrete by using nanomaterial graphene oxide in partial replacement for cement, AIP Conf. Proc., 2861(1), 050008 (2023).

https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0158487

Arasu, N., Rafsal, M. M., and Kumar, O. S., Experimental investigation of high-performance concrete by partial replacement of fine aggregate by construction demolition waste, Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res., 9(3), 46-52 (2018).

Björnström, J., Martinelli, A., Matic, A., Börjesson, L. and Panas, I. Accelerating effects of colloidal nano-silica for beneficial calciumsilicate- hydrate formation in cement, Chem. Phys. Lett. 392(1), 242–248 (2004).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2004.05.071

Byung, W. J., Chang, H. K., Ghiho, T. and Jang, B. P., Characteristics of cement mortar with nano-SiO2 particles, Constr. Build. Mater., 21(6), 1351-1355 (2007).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.12.020

Eskandaria, H., Vaghefi M. and Kowsaric, K., Investigation of Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Influenced by Hybrid Nano-silica and Micro Zeolite, Procedia Mater. Sci., 11, 594-599 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mspro.2015.11.084

Ganesh, P. G., Arjunanm, A., Samundeeswari, R., Arul, S. P., George, G. V. A., Mukesh, P., Balamurugan, P., Vivek, S. and Butsawan, B., Effects of fly ash and silica fume on alkalinity, strength and planting characteristics of vegetation porous concrete, J. Mater. Res. Technol., 24, 5347-5360 (2023).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.04.029

Mostafa, J., Alireza, P., Omid, F. H. and Davoud, J., Comparative study on effects of Class F fly ash, nano-silica and silicafume on properties of high performance self-compacting concrete, Constr. Build. Mater., 94, 90–104 (2015).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.07.001

Naveen, A. A., Natarajan, M., Balasundaram, N., and Parathasaarathi, R., Optimization of high-performance concrete composites by using nano materials, Res. Eng. Struct. Mater., 9(3), 843-859. (2023).

http://dx.doi.org/10.17515/resm2022.602ma1213

Naveen, A., A., Natarajan, M., Balasundaram, N., & Parthasaarathi, R. Utilizing recycled nanomaterials as a partial replacement for cement to create high performance concrete, Global NEST Journal, 25(6), 89-92 (2023a).

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.004780

Sobolev, K., Flores, I., Torres-Martinez, L. M., Valdez, P.L., Zarazua, and Cuellar, E. L., Engineering of SiO2 nanoparticles for optimal performance in nano cement-based materials, Nanotechnol. Constr. 3, 139-148 (2009).

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00980-8_18

Vivek, S., Priya, V., Thanukrishna, K. and Vignesh, R. Experimental Investigation on Bricks by Using Cow Dung, Rice Husk, Egg Shell Powder as a Partial Replacement for Fly Ash, Asian Rev. Civ. Eng., 9(2), 1-7 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.51983/tarce-2020.9.2.2556

Vivek, S., Sulekha, R. amd Sri Harini, G., Experimental Study on Self Compacted Concrete Mix Using Admixtures and Accessing its Performance by Comparing with Conventional Concrete (M25), Asian J. Eng. Appl. Technol., 7(S1), 78-83 (2018).

https://doi.org/10.51983/ajeat-2018.7.1.856

Ye, Q. Y., Zenan, Z., Deyu, K., and Rongshen, C., Influence of nano-SiO2 addition on properties of hardened cement paste as compared with silica fume, Constr. Build. Mater., 21(3), 539-545 (2007).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.09.001