Effect of halloysite nanoclay on mechanical properties, thermal behavior and microstructure of cement mortars

Many studies have targeted the application of clay in cement composites and declared some enhancement on the properties of concrete. However there is little knowledge on nanoclays and their effect on the mechanical properties and durability of cement composites. Halloysite nanoclay is one of the subcategories of nanoclay that has been undeservedly ignored in the production of cement composites. Chemically, the outer surface of the halloysite nanotubes has properties similar to SiO2 while the inner cylinder core is related to Al2O3 which together may improve the cement matrix. In this study the mechanical properties, flowability, thermal behavior and durability of mortars containing 1, 2, 3% halloysite nanoclay were studied. Compressive strength and gas permeability of samples with 3% and 2% nanoclay were improved up to 24% and 56%, respectively. SEM, XRD, DSC tests were carried out to investigate the microstructure and chemical composition change in samples with halloysite nanoclay.