Effect of Nano Materials on Engineering Properties of Self Compacting Mortar Containing Fly Ash

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Abstract

Nano-structurematerials recently attracted much scientific interest due to their superior performance. As well as concrete industry, according to its needs both in terms of strength and durability is one of the important users of nano structured materials. Therefore, concrete and mortar studies containing additive in nano scale is so important to development of new building materials.
The aim of this study is to assess the self compacting mortars (SCMs) by using nano particles as a replacement of cement. In addition to reducethe amount of cement and to achieve the better workability, 25% fly ash was replaced in cement in all samples. Reduction of cement usage is a symbol of sustainable development and application of nano particles is a mark of nano technology helping in the same direction to make a brighter future. In this paper, the engineering properties of SCMs made by using of 1- 5% of SiO2, Fe2O3 and CuO nano particles are investigated. The fresh properties of mortar determined using mini V-funnel and mini slump flow tests and the hardened properties that determined by compressive strength, flexural strength tests at 3, 7, 28 and 90 days and water absorption test determined at 28 days.The results of experiments show the appropriate performance of the mentioned nanoparticles especially for SiO2 and CuO nano particles in improvement of workability, mechanical properties and durability of self compacting mortars.

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