The Predicted Strength of Cement Stone With the Addition of Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

The study is aimed at assessing the effect of silica nanoparticles as additives in cement systems on their mechanical properties and predicted strength in the long term. The use of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) is characterized by their high specific surface area, significant reactivity and the potential to improve the structural parameters of cement stone. The integration of these nanoparticles into cement stone causes a change in its physico-chemical properties, which ultimately affects the strength and durability characteristics of the material. SIO₂ nanoparticles fill the pore space and microcracks in the cement stone, which leads to a denser structure. They promote deeper hydration of cement by accelerating the reaction of formation of hydrate phases such as C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate), which are the main components that give cement stone strength. The data show that the addition of silica nanoparticles leads to a decrease in the braking coefficient and an increase in the hydration coefficient of cement. The predicted strength of all studied compounds reaches maximum values by 400 days, with the highest intensity of processes in the first 50 days. The addition of nanodispersed silica provides a 29% increase in the strength of cement stone. The increased hydration coefficient indicates more intense interactions between cement components and water, which contributes to the formation of a stronger and more durable material structure. The results indicate the potential use of silica nanoparticles to improve the mechanical properties of cement systems and increase the efficiency of structures.