Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering
share announcement

Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 27350

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesca Romana Lamastra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Enterprise Engineering ‘‘Mario Lucertini”, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata”, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
Interests: multifunctional cement-based materials implemented by means of graphene-based 2D nanofillers (graphite nanoplatelets, graphene oxide and nanographite); capsule-based self-healing system for cementitious materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete is the most used construction material worldwide, and its annual consumption is estimated at more than 25 billion tons. Due to this huge production, the cement industry is characterized by a very strong environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions. It has been estimated that 5 to 7 % of global CO2 emissions is due to cement production. Cracking is known to be the most challenging problem for the life-cycle performance of cementitious materials, which are inherently weak in tensile strength. Thus, the development of improved durability concretes and alternative binders to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) are research subjects of pivotal relevance in the field of sustainable building.

Promising strategies to improve the sustainability of concrete are:

- New smart cementitious nanocomposites for health-monitoring of structures, thus increasing both the structural safety and service life of structures;

- Graphene-based cementitious nanocomposites capable of refining the pore structure and reducing flaws and cracks in the cement based matrix;

- The use of alternative binders to OPC, such as geopolymers, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from the cement industry;

- Self-healing cementitious materials.

Dr. Francesca Romana Lamastra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Cementitious materials
  • Smart cementitious nanocomposites
  • Strain-sensing
  • Self-healing
  • Structural health monitoring
  • Geopolymers
  • Nanotechnology
  • Graphene-based materials.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 8128 KiB  
Article
Prediction Model and Mechanism for Drying Shrinkage of High-Strength Lightweight Concrete with Graphene Oxide
by Xiaojiang Hong, Jin Chai Lee, Jing Lin Ng, Muyideen Abdulkareem, Zeety Md Yusof, Qiansha Li and Qian He
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1405; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13081405 - 19 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
The excellent performance of graphene oxide (GO) in terms of mechanical properties and durability has stimulated its application potential in high-strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). However, more attention needs to be paid to the long-term drying shrinkage of HSLWC. This work aims to investigate [...] Read more.
The excellent performance of graphene oxide (GO) in terms of mechanical properties and durability has stimulated its application potential in high-strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). However, more attention needs to be paid to the long-term drying shrinkage of HSLWC. This work aims to investigate the compressive strength and drying shrinkage behavior of HSLWC incorporating low GO content (0.00–0.05%), focusing on the prediction and mechanism of drying shrinkage. Results indicate the following: (1) GO can acceptably reduce slump and significantly increase specific strength by 18.6%. (2) Drying shrinkage increased by 8.6% with the addition of GO. A modified ACI209 model with a GO content factor was demonstrated to have high accuracy based on the comparison of typical prediction models. (3) GO not only refines the pores but also forms flower-like crystals, which results in the increased drying shrinkage of HSLWC. These findings provide support for the prevention of cracking in HSLWC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2031 KiB  
Communication
Cement-Based Composites Containing Oxidized Graphene Nanoplatelets: Effects on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties
by Luca Lavagna, Andrea Santagati, Mattia Bartoli, Daniel Suarez-Riera and Matteo Pavese
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 901; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13050901 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Graphene nanoplatelets can improve the electrical and mechanical properties of cement matrix composites. The dispersion and interaction of graphene in the cement matrix appears to be difficult due to its hydrophobic nature. By introducing polar groups, graphene oxidation improves the level of dispersion [...] Read more.
Graphene nanoplatelets can improve the electrical and mechanical properties of cement matrix composites. The dispersion and interaction of graphene in the cement matrix appears to be difficult due to its hydrophobic nature. By introducing polar groups, graphene oxidation improves the level of dispersion and interaction with the cement. In this work, graphene oxidation using sulfonitric acid for 10, 20, 40, and 60 min was studied. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze the graphene before and after the oxidation. The mechanical properties of the final composites showed an improvement of 52% in the flexural strength, 4% in the fracture energy, and 8% in the compressive strength in the case of 60 min of oxidation. In addition, the samples showed a reduction of at least one order of magnitude in electrical resistivity when compared with pure cement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5900 KiB  
Article
An Insight into Durability, Electrical Properties and Thermal Behavior of Cementitious Materials Engineered with Graphene Oxide: Does the Oxidation Degree Matter?
by Francesca Romana Lamastra, Giampiero Montesperelli, Emanuele Galvanetto, Mehdi Chougan, Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Mazen J. Al-Kheetan and Alessandra Bianco
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 726; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13040726 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Due to global environmental concerns related to climate change, the need to improve the service life of structures and infrastructures is imminently urgent. Structural elements typically suffer service life reductions, leading to poor environmental sustainability and high maintenance costs. Graphene oxide nanosheets (GONSs) [...] Read more.
Due to global environmental concerns related to climate change, the need to improve the service life of structures and infrastructures is imminently urgent. Structural elements typically suffer service life reductions, leading to poor environmental sustainability and high maintenance costs. Graphene oxide nanosheets (GONSs) effectively dispersed in a cement matrix can promote hydration, refine the microstructure and improve interfacial bonding, leading to enhanced building materials’ performance, including mechanical strength and transport properties. Cement-based nanocomposites engineered with GONSs were obtained using two commercial nanofillers, a GO water suspension and a free-flowing GO nanopowder, characterized by fully comparable morphology, size and aspect ratio and different oxidation degrees (i.e., oxygen-to-carbon molar ratio), 0.55 and 0.45, respectively. The dosage of the 2D-nanofiller ranged between 0.01% and 0.2% by weight of cement. The electrical and thermal properties were assessed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and a heat flow meter, respectively. The results were discussed and linked to micrometric porosity investigated by micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) and transport properties as determined by initial surface absorption test (ISAT), boil-water saturation method (BWS) and chloride ion penetration test. Extra-low dosage mortars, especially those loaded with a lower oxidation degree (i.e., 0.45GO), showed decreased permeability and improved barrier to chloride ion transport combined with enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity with respect to that of the control samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 24644 KiB  
Article
Influence of Laboratory Synthesized Graphene Oxide on the Morphology and Properties of Cement Mortar
by Suganthiny Ganesh, Charitha Thambiliyagodage, S. V. T. Janaka Perera and R. K. N. D. Rajapakse
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 18; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13010018 - 21 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1705
Abstract
The introduction of Graphene Oxide (GO), a nanomaterial, has shown considerable promise in improving the mechanical properties of cement composites. However, the reasons for this improvement are not yet fully understood and demand further research. This study aims to understand the effect of [...] Read more.
The introduction of Graphene Oxide (GO), a nanomaterial, has shown considerable promise in improving the mechanical properties of cement composites. However, the reasons for this improvement are not yet fully understood and demand further research. This study aims to understand the effect of laboratory-produced GO, using Tour’s method, on the mechanical properties and morphology of cement mortar containing GO. The GO was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy alongside Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study adopted a cement mortar with GO percentages of 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, and 0.04 with respect to the weight of the cement. The presence of GO in cement mortar increased the density and decreased the consistency and setting times. At the optimum of 0.03% GO viscous suspension, the mechanical properties such as the 28-day compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were enhanced by 41%, 83%, and 43%, respectively. In addition, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis indicates an increase in surface area and volume of micropores of GO cement mortar, resulting in a decreased volume of mesopores. The improvement in properties was due to increased nucleation sites, calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) density, and a decreased volume of mesopores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4365 KiB  
Article
Study of Dispersion, Hydration, and Microstructure of Graphene Nanoplates-Modified Sulfoaluminate Cement Paste
by Kai Cui, Jun Chang, Mohanad Muayad Sabri Sabri and Jiandong Huang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2708; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12152708 - 06 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1710
Abstract
Low-carbon ecological cement composites are among the most promising construction materials. With low energy consumption, low carbon dioxide emissions, and high early strength, sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) is a low-carbon ecological building material. In addition, graphene nanoplates (GNPs) exhibit excellent performances. In this study, [...] Read more.
Low-carbon ecological cement composites are among the most promising construction materials. With low energy consumption, low carbon dioxide emissions, and high early strength, sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) is a low-carbon ecological building material. In addition, graphene nanoplates (GNPs) exhibit excellent performances. In this study, GNPs were dispersed by a combination of dispersant and ultrasonic treatment, and the dispersion effect of GNPs was characterized. The effect of GNPs on the hydration process and products of SAC was studied, revealing that GNPs accelerate SAC hydration. The hydration heat and ICP results showed that in the SAC hydrolysis stage, C4A3Š (ye’elimite) hydrolyzed and released Ca2+. GNPs absorbed the Ca2+, and the Ca2+ concentration around C4A3Š decreased, which would promote the hydrolysis of C4A3Š and release more Ca2+, accelerating the hydration of SAC and the nucleation effect of GNPs, and providing sites for the formation of hydration products. The analysis of XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and TGA (Thermal Gravity Analysis) showed that GNPs promoted the hydration of SAC and formed more AFt (ettringite) and AH3 (gibbsite). The generated hydration products fill the pores of the matrix and are closely connected to the GNPs to form a whole, which improves the cement matrix’s mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5332 KiB  
Article
Extra-Low Dosage Graphene Oxide Cementitious Nanocomposites: A Nano- to Macroscale Approach
by Mehdi Chougan, Francesca Romana Lamastra, Eleonora Bolli, Daniela Caschera, Saulius Kaciulis, Claudia Mazzuca, Giampiero Montesperelli, Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Mazen J. Al-Kheetan and Alessandra Bianco
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123278 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
The impact of extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) Graphene Oxide (GO) on the properties of fresh and hardened nanocomposites was assessed. The use of a minimum amount of 2-D nanofiller would minimize costs and sustainability issues, therefore encouraging the market uptake [...] Read more.
The impact of extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) Graphene Oxide (GO) on the properties of fresh and hardened nanocomposites was assessed. The use of a minimum amount of 2-D nanofiller would minimize costs and sustainability issues, therefore encouraging the market uptake of nanoengineered cement-based materials. GO was characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. GO consisted of stacked sheets up to 600 nm × 800 nm wide and 2 nm thick, oxygen content 31 at%. The impact of GO on the fresh admixtures was evaluated by rheology, flowability, and workability measurements. GO-modified samples were characterized by density measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and compression and bending tests. Permeability was investigated using the boiling-water saturation technique, salt ponding test, and Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT). At 28 days, GO-nanocomposite exhibited increased density (+14%), improved compressive and flexural strength (+29% and +13%, respectively), and decreased permeability compared to the control sample. The strengthening effect dominated over the adverse effects associated with the worsening of the fresh properties; reduced permeability was mainly attributed to the refining of the pore network induced by the presence of GO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4610 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Autogenous Healing in Flexural Mortar Members by Chloride Ion Penetration Resistance
by Byoungsun Park and Youngcheol Choi
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1622; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061622 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2007
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of mineral admixtures on the autogenous healing of flexural mortar members through a chloride ion penetration test. The mineral admixtures used were ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash, silica fume (SF), clinker binder, and clinker [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the effects of mineral admixtures on the autogenous healing of flexural mortar members through a chloride ion penetration test. The mineral admixtures used were ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash, silica fume (SF), clinker binder, and clinker sand. Through a four-point bending test, a crack of approximately 100 μm was induced at the bottom of the flexural mortar member, and the chloride ion penetration depth through the crack was measured to evaluate the self-healing performance. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between the self-healing performances, which was measured through water flow and water absorption tests. The experimental results showed that the chloride ion penetration depth decreased due to crack healing, and the self-healing performance of the GGBS and SF was the highest. It was found that the subtle change in the self-healing performance was more accurately evaluated by the chloride ion penetration test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 8742 KiB  
Article
CO2 Sequestration in the Production of Portland Cement Mortars with Calcium Carbonate Additions
by Marius-George Parvan, Georgeta Voicu, Alina-Ioana Badanoiu, Adrian-Ionut Nicoara and Eugeniu Vasile
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 875; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11040875 - 30 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
The paper presents the obtention and characterization of Portland cement mortars with limestone filler and nano-calcite additions. The nano-calcite was obtained by the injection of CO2 in a nano-Ca(OH)2 suspension. The resulted nano-CaCO3 presents different morphologies, i.e., polyhedral and needle [...] Read more.
The paper presents the obtention and characterization of Portland cement mortars with limestone filler and nano-calcite additions. The nano-calcite was obtained by the injection of CO2 in a nano-Ca(OH)2 suspension. The resulted nano-CaCO3 presents different morphologies, i.e., polyhedral and needle like crystals, depending on the initial Ca(OH)2 concentration of the suspension. The formation of calcium carbonate in suspensions was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), complex thermal analysis (DTA-TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HRTEM). This demonstrates the viability of this method to successfully sequestrate CO2 in cement-based materials. The use of this type of nano-CaCO3 in mortar formulations based on PC does not adversely modify the initial and final setting time of cements; for all studied pastes, the setting time decreases with increase of calcium carbonate content (irrespective of the particle size). Specific hydrated phases formed by Portland cement hydration were observed in all mortars, with limestone filler additions or nano-CaCO3, irrespective of curing time. The hardened mortars with calcium carbonate additions (in adequate amounts) can reach the same mechanical strengths as reference (Portland cement mortar). The addition of nano-CaCO3 in the raw mix increases the mechanical strengths, especially at shorter hardening periods (3 days). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

37 pages, 74725 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials as Promising Additives for High-Performance 3D-Printed Concrete: A Critical Review
by Mehrdad Razzaghian Ghadikolaee, Elena Cerro-Prada, Zhu Pan and Asghar Habibnejad Korayem
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1440; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13091440 - 22 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printed concrete (3DPC), as one of the subset of digital fabrication, has provided a revolution in the construction industry. Accordingly, scientists, experts, and researchers in both academic and industry communities are trying to improve the performance of 3DPC. The mix design [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) printed concrete (3DPC), as one of the subset of digital fabrication, has provided a revolution in the construction industry. Accordingly, scientists, experts, and researchers in both academic and industry communities are trying to improve the performance of 3DPC. The mix design of all kinds of concrete has always been the most crucial property to reach the best efficiency. Recently, many studies have been performed to incorporate nano- and micro-scale additives to ameliorate the properties of 3DPC. The current study aims to present the main design properties of 3DPC and completely cover both fresh and hardened state characteristics of 3DPC containing different nano- and micro-additives. Our observations illustrate that nanomaterials can be mainly utilized as a thickener to ameliorate the thixotropic behavior and the structural build-up of 3DPC, resulting in higher yield stress and better viscosity recovery. Furthermore, each nanomaterial, through its unique impact, can provide lower porosity and permeability as well as better mechanical strengths for 3DPC. Although much research investigate the fresh properties of 3DPC containing nano and micro additives, future studies are needed to provide better insight into the impact of these kinds of additives on the hardened characteristics of 3DPC. In addition, researchers may devote more research to address the effects of the additives discussed herein on the performance of other kinds of 3DPC such as lightweight, self-compacting, etc. It should be noted that the effect mechanism of nanomaterials on the inter-layer bond strength of 3DPC is another crucial issue that should be investigated in future studies. Furthermore, nano-scale fillers from source of waste and biomass can be attractive additives for future research to achieve high performance of sustainable 3D-printed concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3250 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterial-Reinforced Portland-Cement-Based Materials: A Review
by Víctor A. Franco-Luján, Fernando Montejo-Alvaro, Samuel Ramírez-Arellanes, Heriberto Cruz-Martínez and Dora I. Medina
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1383; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13081383 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2018
Abstract
Portland cement (PC) is a material that is indispensable for satisfying recent urban requirements, which demands infrastructure with adequate mechanical and durable properties. In this context, building construction has employed nanomaterials (e.g., oxide metals, carbon, and industrial/agro-industrial waste) as partial replacements for PC [...] Read more.
Portland cement (PC) is a material that is indispensable for satisfying recent urban requirements, which demands infrastructure with adequate mechanical and durable properties. In this context, building construction has employed nanomaterials (e.g., oxide metals, carbon, and industrial/agro-industrial waste) as partial replacements for PC to obtain construction materials with better performance than those manufactured using only PC. Therefore, in this study, the properties of fresh and hardened states of nanomaterial-reinforced PC-based materials are reviewed and analyzed in detail. The partial replacement of PC by nanomaterials increases their mechanical properties at early ages and significantly improves their durability against several adverse agents and conditions. Owing to the advantages of nanomaterials as a partial replacement for PC, studies on the mechanical and durability properties for a long-term period are highly necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 9577 KiB  
Review
Nano-Silica-Modified Concrete: A Bibliographic Analysis and Comprehensive Review of Material Properties
by Kaffayatullah Khan, Waqas Ahmad, Muhammad Nasir Amin and Sohaib Nazar
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 1989; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12121989 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4042
Abstract
Several review studies have been performed on nano-silica-modified concrete, but this study adopted a new method based on scientometric analysis for the keywords’ assessment in the current research area. A scientometric analysis can deal with vast bibliometric data using a software tool to [...] Read more.
Several review studies have been performed on nano-silica-modified concrete, but this study adopted a new method based on scientometric analysis for the keywords’ assessment in the current research area. A scientometric analysis can deal with vast bibliometric data using a software tool to evaluate the diverse features of the literature. Typical review studies are limited in their ability to comprehensively and accurately link divergent areas of the literature. Based on the analysis of keywords, this study highlighted and described the most significant segments in the research of nano-silica-modified concrete. The challenges associated with using nano-silica were identified, and future research is directed. Moreover, prediction models were developed using data from the literature for the strength estimation of nano-silica-modified concrete. It was noted that the application of nano-silica in cement-based composites is beneficial when used up to an optimal dosage of 2–3% due to high pozzolanic reactivity and a filler effect, whereas a higher dosage of nano-silica has a detrimental influence due to the increased porosity and microcracking caused by the agglomeration of nano-silica particles. The mechanical strength might enhance by 20–25% when NS is incorporated in the optimal amount. The prediction models developed for predicting the strength of nano-silica-modified concrete exhibited good agreement with experimental data due to lower error values. This type of analysis may be used to estimate the essential properties of a material, therefore saving time and money on experimental tests. It is recommended to investigate cost-effective methods for the dispersion of nano-silica in higher concentrations in cement mixes; further in-depth studies are required to develop more accurate prediction models to predict nano-silica-modified concrete properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 68181 KiB  
Review
Geopolymers vs. Cement Matrix Materials: How Nanofiller Can Help a Sustainability Approach for Smart Construction Applications—A Review
by Marco Valente, Matteo Sambucci and Abbas Sibai
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 2007; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11082007 - 05 Aug 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3665
Abstract
In the direction of reducing greenhouse emissions and energy consumption related to the activities of the cement and concrete industry, the increasingly popular concept of eco-sustainability is leading to the development and optimization of new technologies and low impact construction materials. In this [...] Read more.
In the direction of reducing greenhouse emissions and energy consumption related to the activities of the cement and concrete industry, the increasingly popular concept of eco-sustainability is leading to the development and optimization of new technologies and low impact construction materials. In this respect, geopolymers are spreading more and more in the cementitious materials field, exhibiting technological properties that are highly competitive to conventional Portland concrete mixes. In this paper, the mix design, mechanical properties, microstructural features, and mineralogical properties of geopolymer mixes are discussed, investigating the influence of the main synthesis parameters (curing regime, type of precursors, activator molarity, mix design) on the performance of the final product. Moreover, recent developments of geopolymer technology based on the integration of functional nanofillers are reported. The novelty of the manuscript is to provide a detailed collection of past and recent comparative studies between geopolymers and ordinary Portland concrete mixes in terms of strength properties, durability, fire resistance, and environmental impact by LCA analysis, intending to evaluate the advantages and limitations of this technology and direct research towards a targeted optimization of the material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Building Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-12
Back to TopTop