Effects of nano-silica on mechanical performance and microstructure of ultra-high performance concrete

• Main Authors: T. M. Mendes, W. L. Repette, P. J. Reis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Cerâmica
• Series: Cerâmica
• Subjects: ultra-high strength; nano-silica; mechanical performance; microstructure
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0366-69132017000300387&lng=en&tlng=en

Abstract The use of nanoparticles in ultra-high strength concretes can result in a positive effect on mechanical performance of these cementitious materials. This study evaluated mixtures containing 10 and 20 wt% of silica fume, for which the optimum nano-silica content was determined, i.e. the quantity of nano-silica that resulted on the higher gain of strength. The physical characterization of raw materials was done in terms of particle size distribution, density and specific surface area. Chemical and mineralogical compositions of materials were obtained through fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical performance was evaluated by compressive strength, flexural strength and dynamic elastic modulus measurements. The microstructural analysis of mixtures containing nano-silica was performed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Obtained results indicate an optimum content of nano-silica of 0.62 wt%, considering compressive and flexural strengths. This performance improvement was directly related to two important microstructural aspects: the packing effect and pozzolanic reaction of nano-silica.