There are some problems and weaknesses related to cement-based materials, such as their very low tensile strength, low chemical resistance and the huge contribution of cement production to industrial CO2 emissions. One possible method to reduce the impacts of such problems is the partial replacement of cement in cementitious materials with nano materials. This work provides a detailed review of incorporation of one of the most widely used nano materials, namely nano-titanium dioxide, and its effect on the properties of cementitious composites. Different properties have been considered in the current study, such as fresh properties, mechanical properties (compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength), durability (permeability, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), electrical resistivity, carbonation resistance, freeze and thaw resistance and sulfate attack resistance) and microstructural properties. This paper also investigates the optimum content of nano-TiO2 in cement-based materials. Moreover, the cost effectiveness of use on nano-titania in cementitious composites has been discussed. Nano titania reduces the workability and setting time of cement-based materials. It can be very effective in improving the mechanical properties, durability and microstructural properties of cementitious composites.

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Incorporation of nanomaterials into cement-based materials has great potentials to improve their performance to great levels and to produce construction materials with superior and unique properties. Various nanoparticles have been utilized in cementitious composites to improve their properties. This paper provides a detailed review about the effect of the most widely incorporated nanomaterial into cement-based materials, namely nano-silica, on different on properties of cement-based materials. The investigated properties are mechanical properties (compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength), durability parameters (permeability, freeze and thaw resistance, high temperature resistance, fire resistance and sulfate attack resistance) and microstructural properties of mortar and concrete. The cost effectiveness of use of nano-silica in cement-based materials is also discussed. The optimum replacement percentage of cement with this nanomaterial to improve the performance of mortar and concrete is also investigated. The investigation showed that nano-silica has the ability to enhance the mechanical properties, durability and microstructural properties of concrete and mortar to a remarkable level. It also showed that the optimum content of nano-silica in concrete and mortar is 1.0-4.0% by weight of binder materials.