The Effect of Nano-SiO2 on Cement Hydration

Abstract

The nanoparticles of SiO 2 with a size range of 5-20 nm were synthesized in acidic and basic medium from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) using sol-gel method. The effect of agglomerated nanoparticles on the hydration of portland cement systems was analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction technique. Experimental results demonstrate that developed nano-SiO 2 produced in acidic medium accelerate the hydration by creating nuclei sites for the formation of C-S-H, whereas the nano-SiO 2 produced in basic medium reacted like a pozolanic material. Most of the portlandite was consumed and transformed into C-S-H due to a pozolanic reaction producing a dense microstructure characteristic for composites with both types of nanoparticles.

Green Concrete: By-Products Utilization and Advanced Approaches

“…The porosity of cement matrix has been thoroughly studied [234] at a mesoscopic structure of C-S-H level that reflects the properties of the macroscopic structure. Silica nanoparticles have been experimentally investigated to modify the cement matrix [235][236][237]. It was concluded that the calcium leaching could be controlled by silica nanoparticles.…”