Improvement Compressive Strength of Cementitious Composites in Different Curing Media by Incorporating ZrO sub(2) Nanoparticles

• Published in: Materials research (São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil) Vol. 15; no. 2
• Main Authors: Rafieipour, M H, Nazari, A, Mohandesi, MA, Khalaj, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese; Spanish
• Published: 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Blended; Cements; Compressive strength; Concretes; Curing; Nanoparticles; Strengthening; Zirconium dioxide
• ISSN: 1516-1439

In the present work, the effect of curing medium on microstructure, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of ZrO sub(2) nanoparticles blended concrete has been investigated. ZrO sub(2) nanoparticles were partially used instead of cement by 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 weight percent. Curing of the specimens was carried out in water and saturated limewater for 7, 28 and 90 days. The results indicate that ZrO sub(2) nanoparticles up to maximum of 2.0% produces cementitious composite with improved compressive strength by curing in saturated limewater. The optimum level of replacement for the specimens cured in water was 1.0 weight percent. ZrO sub(2) nanoparticles can improve the filler effects and also the high activity of line particles substantially increases the quantity of strengthening gel. Although the limewater reduces the strength of concrete without nanoparticles when compared with the specimens cured in water, curing the specimens in saturated limewater results in more strengthening gel formation around ZrO sub(2) nanoparticles blended concrete causes high strength.