Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis of Chloride Diffusivity of Mortar Containing Nano- Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Abstract The present research investigates the usefulness of NT as a filler ingredient and its influence on the reduction of chloride ion diffusivity (Deff) in mortar. The flow of Cl−ions or flux through the mortar is influenced by the concentration of NT in the material; as NT content increases, flux decreases, indicating a delay in ion migration. There is a negative correlation between the concentration of NT and the diffusion of Cl−ions in the anolyte chamber; the control specimen demonstrates the greatest diffusion. The sample containing NT exhibits a notably reduced diffusion of Cl-ions in comparison to the control sample, indicating a decline in the mobility of Cl-ions in both chambers. Maximum compressive strength of mortar on 3, 7, 28, 56 and 90 days was obtained at 1.5% replacement as also evident from the microstructure at 28 days. The Grey ranking proposed that the control mix has the lowest rank of Deff and decreased with decreasing NT replacement. It is concluded that the Taguchi-based grey relational analysis method is an extremely useful instrument for optimizing such experimental studies. Grey relationship coefficients affect resource utilization, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness; hence this study could increase process efficiency.