Properties of concrete incorporating nano-silica

This study investigated the effect of colloidal nano-silica on concrete incorporating single (ordinary cement) and binary (ordinary cement + Class F fly ash) binders. In addition to the mechanical properties, the experimental program included tests for adiabatic temperature, rapid chloride ion permeability, mercury intrusion porosimetry, thermogravimetry and backscattered scanning electron microscopy in order to link macro- and micro-scale trends. Significant improvement was observed in mixtures incorporating nano-silica in terms of reactivity, strength development, refinement of pore structure and densification of interfacial transition zone. This improvement can be mainly attributed to the large surface area of nano-silica particles, which has pozzolanic and filler effects on the cementitious matrix. Micro-structural and thermal analyses indicated that the contribution of pozzolanic and filler effects to the pore structure refinement depended on the dosage of nano-silica.

► Colloidal nano-silica was studied in concrete with and without fly ash.
► Two dosage levels of nano-silica in concrete mixtures were evaluated.
► Adding nano-silica enhanced the mechanical and micro-structural properties of concrete.
► Nano-SiO2 enhanced properties through pozzolanic reaction and filler effect.