Advancements in Nano-Engineered Cementitious Composites Thru Enhanced Properties and Economies
摘要
This study examines the use of an additive which can reduce water consumption in cementitious materials and improve the properties of a hardened cementitious product over time. This advanced nanotechnology-based material is also known as Nano Materials and is used at different levels as per weight of ordinary Portland cement (1 part by weight) in a dry mix with river sand constituting 3 parts by weight of cement. This material cannot be dissolved into water hence only dissolves in a polymeric compound called Polycarboxylate Ether through an ultrasonicating process. With this mixture, 7.07 cm cubes are cast using water incorporated as per IS 4031 Standards at constant water/cement ratios (w/c) set at 0.4. Once they have been cast, the cubes are left to cure under ambient temperature for 3 Days, 7 Days, 28 days & 365 Days respectively before testing them for compressive strength. They were not only found to be superior to that of ordinary Portland Cement Composite Cubes, but they were also more economical than Silica Fumed Cement Composition. Also, their microstructure comparisons reveal a denser composition with optimized Nano additions in the cement matrix.