Microstructural Analysis for Cement Mortar with Different Nano Materials

Abstract

To study the influences of the nanomaterial upon the microstructure of the interfacial transition region of mortar that prepared with a composite binder comprising nanomaterial and to clarify its effect on the compressive strength improvement, in this study, the compressive strength, SEM analysis and XRD analysis were estimated for mortar containing different amounts of ZrO2, SiO2, Al2O3 and CaCO3 nanoparticles. Four different contents of each nanoparticles’ types were used as a partial replacement of cement with 1%, 1.5%, 3% and 5% by the weight of cement. Results manifested that the mortar compressive strength enhancement can be ascibed to the microstructure amelioration of the interfacial transition region. In addition, the XRD analysis and the SEM micrographs elucidated the formation of hydration compounds and the enhancement in bonding due to the existence of nanoparticles.

Development of Environment-Friendly Concrete through Partial Addition of Waste Glass Powder (WGP) as Cement Replacement

“…However, the manufacture of the conventional binding agent in concrete (cement) has a negative impact on the environment. It is estimated that cement production contributes approximately 7% of the overall carbon footprint [1,2]. This has consequently led researchers to explore waste materials which can be used as partial replacement of cement.…”

“…Several studies have been carried out to this effect, where a number of materials such as bagasse ash, marble powder, silica fume, and fly ash, etc. have been used to replace a portion of cement in concrete [2][3][4][5]. These materials, in general, have demonstrated pozzolanic properties and exhibited acceptable mechanical behavior, hence a significant amount of attention has been given to these materials by researchers in recent times.…”

Properties of Red Mud Neutralized with Sulfuric Acid and Effects on Cement Mortar

“…In Figure 8 a, more pores are observed in the microstructure of Plain-1d than in those of LM10-1d and SRM10-1d. This appears to be due to the larger particle size of OPC at 14 µm [ 31 ] versus those of LRM and LRM + S at 2.50 and 3.02 µm, respectively. In the LM10 and SRM10, pores were more densely filled with smaller particles.…”