The Role of Nano-SiO₂ Addition in the Mechanical Properties of RHA Composite Cement Mortars

Abstract:

This paper presents a laboratory study on the properties of rice husk ash (RHA) cement composite mortars incorporating nano-SiO₂. Different amounts of nano-SiO₂ (0%, 1%, 3% and 5%) were incorporated into the mortars with 20% replacement of RHA. The compressive and flexural strengths of mortars were tested at 7, 28, 60 and 90 days. The water absorption test carried out at 28 days. The drying shrinkage of mortars was measured up to the age of 42 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation also conducted to evaluate the effect of nano-SiO₂ on microstructure of cement paste containing RHA. Incorporating nano-SiO₂ into RHA mortars significantly improved the mechanical strength and water absorption properties of the products. Nano-SiO₂ increased the drying shrinkage of RHA mortars. SEM analysis showed that nano-SiO₂ improved the microstructure of RHA pastes on dense and compact form.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 346)
• Pages: 18-25
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.346.18
• Online since: September 2011
• Authors: Ali Sadrmomtazi, A. Fasihi
• Keywords: Mechanical Property, Nano-SiO₂, Rice Husk Ash, SEM, Shrinkage, Water Absorption

References

[1] M. Aiu, C. P. Huang: The chemistry and physics of nano-cement, research experience for under‏ graduates in bridge engineering, University of Delaware, (2006).

[2] Li‏ H., H. Xiao, J. Ou: ‏ A study on mechanical and pressure-sensitive properties of cement mortar with nanophase materials, Cement and Concrete Research Vol. 34, (2004), pp.435-438.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.08.025

[3] Y. Qing, Z. Zenan, K. Deyu, C. Rongshen: Influence of nano-SiO2 addition on properties of hardened cement paste as compared with silica fume, Construction and Building Materials Vol. 21, (2007), pp.539-545.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.09.001

[4] G. Li: Properties of high-volume fly ash concrete incorporating nano-SiO2, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 34, (2004), pp.1043-1049.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.11.013

[5] D. F. Lin, K.L. Lin, W.C. Chang, H.L. Luo , M.Q. Cai: Improvements of nano-SiO2 on sludge/fly ash mortar. Waste Management, Vol. 28, (2008), p.1081–1087.

DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.03.023

[6] B. Jo, C. Kim., G. Tae, J. Park: Characteristics of cement mortar with nano-SiO2 particles, Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 21, (2007), pp.1351-1355.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.12.020

[7] T. Ji: Preliminary study on the water permeability and microstructure of concrete incorporating nano-SiO2, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 35, (2005), p.1943-(1947).

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2005.07.004

[8] H. Li, H. Xiao, J. Yuan, J. Ou: Microstructure of cement mortar with nano-particles, Composite: part B, Vol. 35, (2004), pp.185-189.

DOI: 10.1016/s1359-8368(03)00052-0

[9] D.G. Nair, A Fraaij: Husk ashes, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 6, (2008), p.861–869.

[10] Sadrmomtazi , A .K. Haghi: Mechanical properties of cement based and composite containing rice husk ash, International journal of applied mechanic and engineering, Vol. 3, (2008).

[11] Q. Feng, H. Yamamichi, M. Shoya, S. Sugita: Study on the pozzolanic properties of rice husk ash by hydrochloric acid pretreatment, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 34, (2004), pp.521-526.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.09.005

[12] R. Jauberthie, F. Rendell, S. Tamba, I. Cisse: Origin of the pozzolanic effect of rice husks, Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 14, (2000), pp.419-423.

DOI: 10.1016/s0950-0618(00)00045-3

[13] ASTM C-778, Standard specification for standard sand, Vol. 4. 01, pp.360-362. Annual book of ASTM standards (2000).

[14] ASTM C-109: Standard test method for compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars, Vol. 4. 01, pp.84-89. Annual book of ASTM standards (2000).

[15] ASTM C-348: Standard test method for flexural strength of hydraulic cement mortar, Annual book of ASTM standards, Vol. 4. 01, 221-226, (2000).

[16] J. Kaufmann, F. Winnefeld, D. Hesselbarth: Effect of the addition of ultra fine cement and short fiber reinforcement on shrinkage rheological and mechanical properties of Portland cement pastes, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 26, (2004).

DOI: 10.1016/s0958-9465(03)00070-2