Nano Titania Reinforced Limestone Cement: Physico-Mechanical Investgation

Abstract

Studying physical and mechanical properties of limestone cement pastes blended by TiO2 nanoparticles (i.e., particle size less than 100 nm). Three mixes are prepared for this study (5.00, 10.00 and 25.00 wt. % of limestone) partially replaced cement/clinker by TiO2 nanoparticles. Fillers are carefully selected which reinforcing cement workability or water retention they could be inert or have slightly hydraulic properties. Limestone is most common filler that fills the pores between cement particles due to the formation of monocarboaluminate, while nanoparticles increase the hydration C-S-H gel product and calcium titanium silicate which hardened the cement pastes. Nanoparticles show a great effect in reinforcing the mechanical strength of cement pastes due to the fact that TiO2-nanoparticles act as active nuclei site forming C-S-H gel observed as honeycomb-like plus improving cement to water demined (W/C) ratio. SEM analysis proves that the morphology of cement structure is well arranged and compacted.