Using Colloidal Nano Silica to Enhance the Performance of Cementitious Mortars

Abstract

Nanomaterials have been widely used in the past few decades due to their proven capacity to enhance the mechanical properties of materials. While many studies have sought to improve the understanding of how nanomaterials affect the behavior of concrete, additional research is needed in order to achieve the full potential of the material, especially in the presence of supplementary cementitious materials. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of cement mortars incorporating both nano-silica (NS) and class F fly ash (FA). Furthermore, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was performed to study its effect on pore characteristics, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to measure the calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 content in the mixtures. It was found that using nano-silica enhances the compressive strength, reduces the total porosity and accelerates the pozzolanic reaction.