TiO2 nanoparticles effects on physical, thermal and mechanical properties of self compacting concrete with ground granulated blast furnace slag as binder

In this work, strength assessments and percentage of water absorption of self compacting concrete containing different amounts of ground granulated blast furnace slag and TiO2 nanoparticles as binder have been investigated. Portland cement was replaced by 45 wt% of ground granulated blast furnace slag and up to 4.0 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles and the properties of concrete specimens were investigated. TiO2 nanoparticle as a partial replacement of cement up to 3.0 wt% could accelerate C–S–H gel formation as a result of increased crystalline Ca(OH)2 amount at the early age of hydration and hence increase strength and improve the resistance to water permeability of concrete specimens. Several empirical relationships have been presented to predict flexural and split tensile strength of the specimens by means of the corresponding compressive strength at a certain age of curing.