Beneficial Use of Nano-Silica in Concrete: A Review

Abstract

Nano-silica and its use in cement-based materials, especially concrete, has been the focus of many scientific studies. This is because cement production is an energy-intensive process and because concrete is the most used construction material worldwide. Accordingly, it is very important to understand the complexity of concrete, improve its performance and durability. This paper reviews the existing literature on the effects of nano-silica on concrete mechanical properties, microstructure and cement hydration.

Parametric study on the performance of industrial byproducts based geopolymer concrete blended with rice husk ash & nano silica

“…Also, it is a cost-effective and eco-friendly material that reduces CO2 emissions. It was found that a small dosage of NS improved the early age and 28-day strength gain of GP concrete through the attributed effect, pozzolanic reaction [33] its pore-filling properties and reactive pozzolans [34]. It accelerates the polymerization rate and facilitates the development of C-S-H and N-A-S-H in natural pozzolan-based GPC [35].…”

Time-Resolved SAXS Investigation of Correlation-Collapse in Self-Assembled Silica Microgranules during Pozzolanic Gelling

“…4−6 In the recent past, the effects of nanosilica on cement pastes, mortars, and concrete have been investigated and it was shown that it improved the strength owing to the accelerated pozzolanic reaction, reduced porosity, and enhancement in the interfacial transition zone. 7,8 However, often the uncontrolled agglomeration and flocculation of such small particles remains a crucial issue affecting rheological and hardening behavior. Here, we have adopted a novel approach in this work.…”

“…Pozzolans are primarily siliceous/aluminous substances, which themselves possess no cementitious value; however, in the presence of moisture, they chemically react with alkali hydroxide to form compounds having cementitious properties. In this regard, use of tiny silica has been found to be quite effective. − In the recent past, the effects of nanosilica on cement pastes, mortars, and concrete have been investigated and it was shown that it improved the strength owing to the accelerated pozzolanic reaction, reduced porosity, and enhancement in the interfacial transition zone. , However, often the uncontrolled agglomeration and flocculation of such small particles remains a crucial issue affecting rheological and hardening behavior. Here, we have adopted a novel approach in this work.…”