An experimental investigation on the durability of self-compacting mortar containing nano-SiO2, nano-Fe2O3 and nano-CuO

• Self-compacting mortar is produced with incorporation of nano-SiO2, Fe2O3 and CuO.
• To achieve the highest properties, the optimal amount of nanoparticles is assessed.
• Enhancement of mechanical properties is indicated with using nanoparticles.
• Improvement in durability of SCM is shown by the addition of nanoparticles.
• More packed pore structure is observed by addition of nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas with both modern science and beneficial applications that has gradually established itself in the last two decades. Nanoparticles belong to be prospective materials in the field of Civil Engineering. In this study, the durability properties of self-compacting mortar (SCM) incorporating nano-SiO2, nano-Fe2O3 and nano-CuO were experimentally compared with that of plain mortar. For this purpose, Portland cement was partially replaced by 25 wt% fly ash and three different nanoparticles by up to 5 wt%. The amount of water-binder ratio and cementitious materials content were considered constant. Fresh properties of SCMs were determined using mini slump flow and mini V-funnel flow time, mechanical characteristics were determined included compressive and flexural strength at 3, 7, 28 and 90 days and durability evaluated by water absorption, electrical resistivity and rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT). Microstructure of the mortars was also assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the workability increased slightly and also nanoparticles could improve mechanical and durability properties of SCM specimens. The SEM micrographs illustrated more packed pore structure of the mortars containing nanoparticles which leads to increase in strength and durability of SCM specimens.