Research Articles | Challenge Journal of Concrete Research Letters

Synthesis and application of nano and micro-silica particles to enhance the mechanical proprieties of cement concrete

Geetha Devi, Dalal Abdul Latif Rajab Al Balushi, Soleen Jabr Ahmed, Nawal Said Almawali
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Abstract


The purpose of the current research was to evaluate the influence of nano and micro silica on compressive strength properties of cement concrete. Silica nanoparticles of size around 350 nm are synthesized by Stober’s method using Tetra Ethyl Silicate (TEOS), Ethanol and ammonia solution. The synthesized silica particles are characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Four different batches of sixteen cubes each of dimension 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm were prepared by mixing the cement with nano and micro silica, Ultra pozzolana, fine and coarse aggregates by incorporating 0.8% CF 615. The first batch composed of cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate and 0.8% CF 615 was considered as a reference batch. Same mix design of proportion 1:1.4:2.1 was followed for remaining mixes by replacing 1% of cement by nano silica, micro silica and Ultra pozzolana. The compressive strength tests of the above mixes are measured using Universal Testing Machine and the results were compared with the control mix. The results demonstrated that the sample were prepared using Ultra pozzolana with 0.8% CF 615, was found to have better strength of 37.45 N/mm2 compared to other samples.

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