Comparative Overview of the Performance of Cementitious and Non-Cementitious Nanomaterials in Mortar at Normal and Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a field with promising applications in building materials. Nanotechnology-based mortars are examples of such building materials that have widespread applications in the construction industry. The main nanomaterials used in mortars include nano-silica, nano-magnesium oxide, nano-alumina, nano-titanium oxide, nano-zinc oxide, nano-clay, and nano-carbon. This review paper presents a summary of the properties and effects of these nanomaterials on cement mortar in terms of its fresh-state and hard-state properties. The fresh-state properties include the setting time, consistency, and workability, while the hard-state properties include mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, tensile strengths, as well as the elasticity modulus, in addition to durability properties such as water absorption, shrinkage strain, strength loss due to freeze–thaw cycles, and chloride penetration, among others. Different nanomaterials cause different physical and chemical alterations within the microstructures of cement mortar. Therefore, the microstructural characterization and densification of mortar are discussed in detail at varying temperatures. In general, the involvement of nanomaterials in cement mortar influences the fresh-state properties, enhances the mechanical properties, and impacts the durability properties, while reducing the porosity present in the mortar matrix. Cementitious nanomaterials can create a pathway for the easy injection of binding materials into the internal microstructures of a hydration gel to impact the hydration process at different rates, whereas their non-cementitious counterparts can act as fillers. Furthermore, the research gaps and future outlook regarding the application of nanomaterials in mortar are discussed.

Zero→Two-Dimensional Metal Nanostructures: An Overview on Methods of Preparation, Characterization, Properties, and Applications

“…Due to the large evaporation area and low pressure at this time a large amount of target vapor will form. (5) The escape of bubbles. When the bubble grows to a certain extent, it will leave the molten target and carry the raw material particle vapor out.…”

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Graphene's effect and mechanism on the properties of alkali-activated slag coating

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The use of Nanomaterials in the construction sector: A literary review

“…Cement is currently the subject of much criticism due to the environmental problems it causes during its production and use, due to the release of a large amount of carbon dioxide. Recent studies suggest that cement can be partially replaced with other materials without compromising the quality of the mortar [54] The effects of nanomaterials on the characteristics of resistance to bending, compression, workability, chloride penetration and others, are widely studied today [55]. Additionally, research gaps and future prospects regarding the application of nanomaterials in mortars are discussed [25].…”

“…Increased resistance to chloride penetration [54] Nanosilica 6% by weight of cement Increase in water requirement from 36.5% to 38.7%. decrease of the initial setting from 190 to 100 min., and the final setting from 345 to a250 min., the use of plasticizers is recommended Increased water requirement.…”