Recent Progress in Nanomaterials for Modern Concrete Infrastructure: Advantages and Challenges

Abstract

Modern concrete infrastructure requires structural components with higher mechanical strength and greater durability. A solution is the addition of nanomaterials to cement-based materials, which can enhance their mechanical properties. Some such nanomaterials include nano-silica (nano-SiO2), nano-alumina (nano-Al2O3), nano-ferric oxide (nano-Fe2O3), nano-titanium oxide (nano-TiO2), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and graphene oxide. These nanomaterials can be added to cement with other reinforcement materials such as steel fibers, glass, rice hull powder and fly ash. Optimal dosages of these materials can improve the compressive, tensile and flexural strength of cement-based materials, as well as their water absorption and workability. The use of these nanomaterials can enhance the performance and life cycle of concrete infrastructures. This review presents recent researches about the main effects on performance of cement-based composites caused by the incorporation of nanomaterials. The nanomaterials could decrease the cement porosity, generating a denser interfacial transition zone. In addition, nanomaterials reinforced cement can allow the construction of high-strength concrete structures with greater durability, which will decrease the maintenance requirements or early replacement. Also, the incorporation of nano-TiO2 and CNTs in cementitious matrices can provide concrete structures with self-cleaning and self-sensing abilities. These advantages could help in the photocatalytic decomposition of pollutants and structural health monitoring of the concrete structures. The nanomaterials have a great potential for applications in smart infrastructure based on high-strength concrete structures.

Applications of Ceramic/Graphene Composites and Hybrids

“…In addition to the enhanced mechanical performance, CBC/graphene composites can be used for improving the efficiency of energy consumption in buildings, as well as for SHM self-sensing and de-icing applications [ 310 , 311 , 312 , 313 ]. For example, the self-sensing characteristics of CBC/graphene composites have been verified for ordinary Portland cement/GNP composites (up to 0.1 wt.% referred to cement) [ 312 ] by measuring the electrical conductive changes under loading cycles.…”

Influence of Glass Silica Waste Nano Powder on the Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Alkali-Activated Mortars

“…Nano-silica reacts with lime during the cement hydration process and it generates a C-S-H gel that may improve the mechanical strength and durability of concrete. A good dispersion of nano-silica into cement-based materials can enhance the hydration process of cement paste, allowing for a denser microstructure [61].…”

Study of TiO2-Modified Sol Coating Material in the Protection of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage

“…The weather resistance cycle number of stone treated by TSCM was four times higher than that treated with organic protective materials. These findings are expected to provide useful suggestions for the protection of stone-built cultural heritage.Coatings 2020, 10, 179 2 of 11 or added to acrylic polymers [22][23][24], but they could be easily removed from the coating surface owing to weak bonding [25][26][27]. In order to avoid the loss of TiO 2 nanoparticles, some researchers have proposed to composite TiO 2 nanoparticles into a SiO 2 -sol [28], which can enhance its photocatalytic activity when applied to a building.…”