A synopsis about the effect of nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3, nano-Fe3O4 and nano-clay on some properties of cementitious materials – A short guide for Civil Engineer

Materials and Design 52 (2013) 143–157

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Materials and Design

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Review

A synopsis about the effect of nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3, nano-Fe3O4 andnano-clay on some properties of cementitious materials – A short guidefor Civil Engineer

0261-3069/$ - see front matter � 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2013.05.035

⇑ Tel.: +20 (2)33351564; fax: +20 (2)33367179 (A. M. Rashad).E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected]

Alaa M. Rashad ⇑Building Materials Research and Quality Control Institute, Housing & Building National Research Center, HBRC, Cairo, Egypt

a r t i c l e i n f o

Article history:Received 2 April 2013Accepted 12 May 2013Available online 22 May 2013

Keywords:Different kinds of nanoparticlesHeat of hydrationMechanical strengthWater absorption and porosity

a b s t r a c t

Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas with both novel science and useful applicationsthat has gradually established itself in the last two decades. Nanoparticles belong to be prospective mate-rials in the field of civil engineering. Some researchers have employed nanoparticles into cementitiousmaterials-based on Portland cement (PC) aiming to modify some properties of this system. This paperpresents an overview of the previous works carried out on the effect of using nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3,nano-Fe3O4 and nano-clay into the cementitious materials. Some properties of the modified compositesas heat of hydration, workability, setting time, mechanical strength, water absorption and durability werereviewed. This overview can be used as a short guide for Civil Engineer.

� 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction

Nanotechnology deals with small structures or small-sizedmaterials. The typical dimension spans from subnanometer to sev-eral hundred nano-meters. A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of ameter (i.e., less than 100 nm). Materials in this size range exhibitsome remarkable specific properties and functions [1]; a transitionfrom atoms or molecules to bulk form takes place in this size range.Nanoparticles have a high-surface area to volume ratio providinghigh-chemical reactivity. They act as nucleation centers, contribut-ing to the development of the hydration of PC. However, due to theenormous increase in surface area per unit volume in the case ofnanoparticles, very strong reactive properties can be obtained.Nanotechnology helps in producing materials with prospectiveproperties, for each field of science (physics, chemistry, bio science,engineering, etc.) [2]. Scientists reported that nanoparticles canimprove the smart materials which develops properties such asdurability, mechanical performance, thermal, electrical and con-ductivity insulation, etc. [3]. Regarding to the addition of nanopar-ticles to PC paste, they have important implications for thehydration and the microstructure of the paste such as an increasein the initial hydration rate, an increase in the amount of CSH gel inthe paste through pozzolanic reaction, porosity reduction, andimprovement in the mechanical properties of the CSH gel itself(greater alumina-content, longer silicate chains) [4]. On the con-trary, these materials are still energy-intensive to manufacture

[5]. On the same line with this, nanoparticles had toxicity risks inwhich some investigations showed that nanoparticles can causesymptoms like the ones caused by asbestos fibers [6]. Dhawanet al. [7] reported that the nanotoxicity risk depends on the nano-particles type and concentration volume superficial characteristics.Grassian et al. [8] studied the effects related to the inhalation ofTiO2 particles with a primary particle size between 2 nm and5 nm, reporting lung inflammation for a concentration of 8.8 mg/m3. Singh et al. [9] mentioned the possibility of DNA damageresulting in later cancer development. Bystrzejewska-Piotrowskaet al. [10] mentioned that nanoparticles may be responsible for anew kind of problem, the appearance of nanowastes. They sug-gested that products containing nanoparticles should be labeledin order to facilitate future separation and recycling procedures.However, Hallock et al. [11] recommended that the use of nanopar-ticles should be made with the same precautions already used formaterials of unknown toxicity (i.e., using air extraction devices toprevent inhalation and gloves to prevent dermal contact).

Interdisciplinary researches, the cooperation of theoreticalknowledge and experimental works have become a necessity inthe development of this technology. In the recent years, it has beenobserved that the number of the studies related with nanotechnol-ogy that almost started to determine the strategies of military, sci-ence and technology of the countries [4] have increasedsignificantly. In civil engineering field, most of the research workstill date are conducted with nano-silica (nano-SiO2) (NS) [12–23]and nano-titanium oxide (nano-TiO2) (NT) [24–32]. On the otherhand, a few studies were conducted with nano-Al2O3 (NA), nano-Fe2O3 (NF), nano-Fe3O4 and nano-clay (NC) in comparison with

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that regarding to NS or NT. The previous authors reviewed sometopics related to nanotechnology [33–37] in which Pacheco-Torgaland Jalali [6] reviewed the previous works carried out on the pho-tocatalytic capacity of NT (self-cleaning ability, air pollution reduc-tion and bactericidal capacity) and using nano (NS and carbonnanofibers) to increase the strength and durability of cementitiouscomposites. In another review, Pacheco-Torgal et al. [33] reviewedthe previous works carried out on the influence on nanoparticleson the mechanical properties of concrete and its durability. Theyalso included a review about calcium leaching control by usingNS. On the same line with this, Hosseini et al. [34] reviewed therole of nanotechnology in relation to the development of greentechnology with respect to recent developments in nano-concretetechnology. Rana et al. [35] reviewed the potential application ofvarious nanotechnology developments in the construction engi-neering field, whilst Antonovic et al. [36] reviewed the previousworks carried out on applying nanotechnology in manufacturingrefractory concretes and Ab Rahman and Padavettan [37] reviewedthe previous works carried out on the synthesis of NS by sol–gelprocess and the effect of NS on the properties of various types ofsilica–polymer composites. However, there is no literature reviewpaper carried out on the effect of NA, NF, nano-Fe3O4 and NC on theproperties of cementitious materials-based on PC. However, in thisinvestigation, the author conducted a literature review focused onthe effect of NA, NF, nano-Fe3O4 and NC on some properties ofcementitious materials-based on PC that can serve Civil Engineeras heat of hydration, workability, setting time, mechanicalstrength, permeability and durability. This review paper can beused as a short guide for Civil Engineer.

2. Nano-Al2O3

Fig. 1. Effect of NA content on the workability of concrete [38].

2.1. Heat of hydration

Nazari and Riahi [38–40] studied the heat of hydration, up to70 h, of pastes modified with NA. Cement was partially replacedwith NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixedw/b ratio of 0.4 was used. Either water or saturated limewaterwas used in mixing. The heat release rate values showed that thedecreasing NA in the pastes retarded the peak times and raisedthe heat release rate values. The specimens prepared with satu-rated limewater showed lower peak times and heat release ratevalues with respect to the corresponding specimens prepared withwater. Nazari and Riahi [41] studied the heat of hydration, up to70 h, of pastes containing 45 wt% slag modified with NA. The bin-der materials (PC + slag) were partially replaced with NA at levelsof 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used.The results showed that the addition of NA in the pastes acceler-ated peak times and dropped heat release. 3% NA showed the high-est drop in heat release.

2.2. Workability and setting time

Nazari et al. [42] studied the workability of mortars modifiedwith NA. Cement was partially replaced with NA at levels of 0%,0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used.The results showed a reduction in the workability with the addi-tion of NA. As the NA increased as the workability decreased. Naz-ari and Riahi [38,39] studied the workability of concretes modifiedwith NA. Cement was partially replaced with NA at levels of 0%,0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used.The results showed a reduction in the workability with the addi-tion of NA. As the NA increased as the workability decreased(Fig. 1).

Nazari and Riahi [39] and Nazari et al. [43] studied the initialand final setting times of mortars modified with NA. Cement waspartially replaced with NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%,by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results showed areduction in both initial and final setting times with the additionof NA. As the NA increased as both initial and final setting times de-creased. Table 1 summarizes the previous researches about the ef-fect of NA on the workability and setting times of PC system.

2.3. Strength

2.3.1. MortarArefi et al. [44] studied the compressive strength, tensile

strength and flexural strength, at age of 7 days, of mortars modifiedwith NA. Cement was partially replaced with NA at levels of 0%, 1%3% and 5%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.417 and various dosagesof superplasticizer were employed. The results showed an increasein the strengths with the addition of 1% and 3% NA. On the con-trary, the addition of 5% NA decreased the strengths. The enhance-ment in the compressive strength was 44.23% and 63.38% with theaddition of 1% and 3% NA, respectively. The enhancement in thetensile strength was 49.14% and 81.46%, whilst the enhancementin the flexural strength was 47.73% and 70% with the addition of1% and 3% NA, respectively. The addition of 3% showed the opti-mum content which gave the highest strengths. The addition of5% NA showed a reduction in the strengths due to the fact thatthe quantity of nanoparticles was higher than the amount requiredto combine with the liberated lime during the process of hydration,thus leading to excess silica leaching out and causing a deficiencyin strength as its replaced part of the cement material.

Li et al. [45] studied the elastic modulus and compressivestrength of mortars incorporated with 0%, 3%, 5% and 7%, byweight, of NA. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results indicatedthat 5% NA showed the highest elastic modulus, followed by 7%and 3%, respectively. The compressive strength of mortars withthe fraction of 3%, 5% and 7% were slightly higher than that of plainmortar at ages of 3 and 7 days, whilst the compressive strength ofmortars with 3% and 5% NA was lower than that of 7% NA whichwas slightly higher than plain mortar at age of 28 days (Fig. 2).

Nazari et al. [42] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 7,28 and 90 days, of mortars modified with NA. Cement was partiallyreplaced with NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight.Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results showed an increase inthe compressive strength with the addition of NA. The addition of1.5% NA showed the highest compressive strength at ages of 7 and28 days, whilst the addition of 1% NA showed the highest compres-sive strength at age of 90 days. The enhancement in the 28 dayscompressive strength was 11.68%, 14.94%, 16.3% and 2.44% with

Table 1Effect of NA on the workability and setting time of PC system.

Author Nano content (%) Effect

Nazari et al. [42] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Workability decreased with increasing NA contentNazari and Riahi [38,39] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Workability decreased with increasing NA contentNazari and Riahi [39] and Nazari et al. [43] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Initial and final setting times decreased with increasing NA content

Fig. 2. Compressive strength of mortars modified with NA [45].

A.M. Rashad / Materials and Design 52 (2013) 143–157 145

the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NA, respectively. In anotherinvestigation, Nazari et al. [43] studied the splitting tensilestrength and flexural strength, at ages of 7, 28 and 90 days, ofthe same mixtures. The results showed an increase in both split-ting tensile strength and flexural strength with the addition ofNA. The addition of 1% NA showed the optimum content whichgave the highest strengths, at all ages. The enhancement in the28 days splitting tensile strength was 27.78%, 55.55%, 66.67% and5.55% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NA, respectively.The enhancement in the 28 days flexural strength was 15.91%,18.18%, 13.64% and 9.1% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and2% NA, respectively.

Campillo et al. [46] studied the compressive strength, at ages of7 and 28 days, of belite mortars modified with 0%, 3% and 9% NA,by weight. Two types of NA were used named agglomerated dryalumina and colloidal alumina. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.8 was used.The results showed an increase in the compressive strength withthe addition of NA. The enhancement in 7 days compressivestrength was 96% and 142% with the addition of 3% and 9% agglom-erated dry alumina, respectively, whilst the addition of 3% and 9%colloidal alumina enhanced the 7 days compressive strength by56% and 84%, respectively. The enhancement in the 28 days com-pressive strength was 85% and 119% with the addition of 3% and9% agglomerated dry alumina, respectively, whilst the addition of3% and 9% colloidal alumina enhancement the 28 days compressivestrength by 89% and 113%, respectively.

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the compressive strength, at agesof 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modifiedwith 0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4was used. At ages of 3 and 7 days, the results showed an increase inthe compressive strength with the addition of 0.5% and 1.25% NA,whilst the addition of 2.5% NA reduced the compressive strength.For the remaining ages, the compressive strength increased withthe addition of NA. The addition of 1.25% NA showed the highestcompressive strength, at all ages. The enhancement in the 28 dayscompressive strength was 5.8%, 20.21% and 5.97% with the addi-tion of 0.5%, 1.5% and 2.5% NA, replacement. In another investiga-tion, Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied the compressive strength, at

ages of 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of similar mixtures, but contain-ing 5% FA instead of 5% SF. The results showed an increase in thecompressive strength with the addition of 0.5% and 1.25% NA,whilst the addition of 2.5% NA reduced the compressive strength.The addition of 1.25% NS showed the highest compressive strength,at all ages. The enhancement in the 28 days compressive strengthwas 1.6% and 4.26% with the addition of 0.5% and 1.25% NS, respec-tively, whilst the reduction in the 28 days compressive strengthwas 1.81% with the addition of 2.5% NA. Table 2 summarizes theprevious researches about the effect of NA on the strength of mor-tar based on PC system.

2.3.2. ConcreteNazari and Riahi [38] studied the compressive strength, split-

ting tensile strength and flexural strength, at ages of 7, 28 and90 days, of concretes modified with NA. Cement was partially re-placed with NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight.Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. Two different curing conditionswere employed, either water curing or saturated limewater curing.The results showed that the compressive strength followed the or-der of 1% NA addition > 1.5% > 0.5% > 2% > 0%, for the specimenscured in water. For the specimens cured in saturated limewater,the compressive strength increased with increasing NA content.The NA specimens cured in saturated limewater showed highercompressive strength than that cured in water (Fig. 3). The split-ting tensile strength and flexural strength increased with the addi-tion of NA. The optimum content of NA that showed the higheststrengths was 1%, for water curing, and 2% for saturated limewatercuring. In other investigations, Nazari and Riahi [39,40] studied thecompressive strength of the same concrete mixtures. Same trend ofresults was observed. The enhancement in the 28 days compres-sive strength, for the specimens cured in water, was 11.68%,14.94%, 16.3% and 2.44% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and2% NA, respectively [39]. For the specimens cured in saturatedlimewater, the enhancement in the 28 days compressive strengthwas 22.88%, 30.5%, 35.87% and 44.1% with the addition of 0.5%,1%, 1.5% and 2%, respectively [39].

Nazari and Riahi [41] studied the compressive strength, split-ting tensile strength and flexural strength, at ages of 7, 28 and90 days, of SCCs containing different amounts of slag. They foundthat slag improved the strengths up to 45 wt% at later ages. NA par-ticles were used to modify the concrete with the optimum contentof slag (i.e. 45 wt%). The binder materials were partially replacedwith NA at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%, by weight. The resultsshowed an increase in the strengths with the addition of NA. Theaddition of 3% NA showed the highest strengths, followed by 4%,2% and 1%, respectively. The enhancement in the 28 days compres-sive strength was 31.35%, 45.31%, 56.98% and 47.37% with theaddition of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% NA, respectively. The enhancementin the 28 days splitting tensile strength was 28.57%, 42.86%,52.38% and 42.86% with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% NS,respectively, whilst the enhancement in the 28 days flexuralstrength was 9.26%, 18.52%, 31.48% and 20.37%, respectively.

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] studied the compressive strength andindirect tensile strength, at age of 28 days, of concretes containing15% MK, as cement replacement, modified with NA. The addition ofNA was 1.5%, by cementitious weight. Fixed w/c ratio and fixed

Table 2Effect of NA on the strength of mortar based on of PC system.


Arefi et al. [44] 0, 1, 3 and 5 – 1% and 3% increased the strength– 3% is the optimum– 5% decreased the strength

Li et al. [45] 0, 3, 5 and 7 – Increased the elastic modulus, 5% is the optimum followed by 7% and 3%

Nazari et al. [42] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Increased the compressive strength– 1.5% is the optimum at 7 and 28 days– 1% is the optimum at 90 days

Nazari et al. [43] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Increased the splitting and flexural strength– 1% is the optimum

Campillo et al. [46] 0, 3 and 9 – Increased the compressive strength– 9% is the optimum

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% SF)– 0.5%, 1.25% increased the compressive strength at 3 and 7 days– 2.5% decreased the compressive strength at 3, 7 days– Increased the compressive strength beyond 7 days– 1.25% is the optimum

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% FA)– 0.5%, 1.25% increased the compressive strength– 2.5% decreased the compressive strength– 1.25% in the optimum


dosage of superplasticizer were employed. The results showed anincrease in both compressive strength and indirect tensile strengthwith the addition of NA. The enhancement in the compressivestrength and indirect tensile strength was about 55% and 26.19%,respectively. Vikulin et al. [50] studied the compressive strength,at age of 1 day and 1 month, of concretes containing alumina ce-ment modified with NA. The amounts of NA were 0.05%, 0.1%,0.25% and 1% as addition of cement weight. Fixed w/c ratio of0.45 was used. The results showed an increase in the compressivestrength with the addition of NA. The enhancement in the 1 daycompressive strength was 47.83%, 46.74%, 55.43% and 30.43% withthe addition of 0.05%, 0.1%. 0.25% and 1% NA, respectively, whilstthe enhancement in the 1 month compressive strength was53.19%, 54.25%, 60.64% and 39.36%, respectively. The addition of0.25% NA exhibited the optimum content which showed the high-est compressive strength followed by 0.1%, 0.05% and 1%, respec-tively. Table 3 summarizes the previous researches about theeffect of NA on the strength of concrete based on PC system.

Fig. 3. Effect of NA content and curing condition on concrete compressive strength[38].

2.4. Abrasion

Nazari and Riahi [40] studied the abrasion resistance, at ages of7, 28 and 90 days, of concretes modified with NA. Cement was par-tially replaced with NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, byweight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. There were two curingconditions, either water curing or saturated limewater curing.The results showed an increase in the abrasion resistance withthe addition of NA, at all ages. The abrasion resistance increasedwith increasing NA content. The specimens cured in saturatedlimewater exhibited higher abrasion resistance than that cured inwater.

2.5. Permeability and water absorption

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the capillary permeability coeffi-cient, at age of 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modified with0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 wasused. The results showed that the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5%NA reduced the capillary permeability by 12%, 29%, and 15%respectively, related to the control specimen. The addition of1.25% NA showed the optimum content which gave the lowest cap-illary permeability coefficient followed by 2.5% and 0.5%, respec-tively. In another investigation, Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied thecapillary permeability coefficient, at age of 180 days, of similarmortar mixtures, but containing 5% FA instead of 5% SF. The resultsshowed that the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA increased thecapillary permeability by 3%, 4% and 10%, respectively, related tothe control specimen.

Nazari and Riahi [38,39] studied the percentage of waterabsorption, at ages of 7, 28 and 90 days, and porosity, at age of90 days, of concretes modified with NA. Cement was partially re-placed with NA at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight.Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. Two different curing conditionswere employed, either water curing or saturated limewater curing.The results showed that the percentage of water absorption in-creased with the addition of NA at age of 7 days, for all curing con-ditions. On the contrary, the percentage of water absorptiondecreased with the addition of NA at ages of 28 and 90 days, forall curing conditions. For all specimens, the addition of 0.5% NA

Table 3Effect of NA on the strength of concrete based on of PC system.


Nazari and Riahi [38] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 (nano-ZnO2) (Specimens cured in water)– Increased the strengths– 1% is the optimum followed by 1.5%, 0.5% and 2%(Specimens cured in saturated limewater)– Increased the strengths– 2% is the optimum followed by 1.5%, 1% and 0.5%

Nazari and Riahi [39,40] (Specimens cured in water)– Increased the compressive strength– 1% is the optimum(Specimens cured in saturated limewater)– Increased the compressive strength– 2% is the optimum

Nazari and Riahi [41] 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Concrete containing 45% slag)– Increased the strengths– 3% is the optimum followed by 4%, 2% and 1%

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] 0 and 1.5 (Concrete containing 15% MK)– Increased the compressive and indirect tensile strength

Vikulin et al. [50] 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25 and 1 – 0.25% is the optimum followed by 0.1%, 0.05% and 1%


showed the lowest percentage of water absorption, followed by 1%,1.5% and 2%, respectively. The NA specimens cured in saturatedlimewater showed lower percentage of water absorption than thatcured in water, at ages of 28 and 90 days. The porosity decreasedwith the addition of NA, at all curing conditions. For the specimenscured in water, the reduction in the porosity was 4.25%, 8.56%,6.88% and 1.5% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, NA,respectively, whilst it was 14.1%, 15.94%, 17.39% and 19.15%,respectively, for the specimens cured in saturated limewater. Thereduction in the porosity for the NA specimens cured in limewaterwas higher than that cured in water.

Nazari and Riahi [41] studied the percentage of water absorp-tion, at ages of 7, 28 and 90 days, and porosity, at age of 90 days,of SCCs containing different amounts of slag. They found that slagimproved the strengths up to 45 wt% at later ages. NA particleswere used to modify the concrete with the optimum content ofslag (i.e. 45 wt%). The binder materials were partially replacedwith NA at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%, by weight. The resultsshowed a reduction in the percentage of water absorption and inthe porosity with the addition of NA. The addition of 3% NAshowed the optimum content which gave the lowest percentageof water absorption and the lowest porosity, followed by 4%, 2%and 1% NA, respectively. The reduction in the percentage of waterabsorption, at age of 28 days, was 39.29%, 41.93%, 46.33% and43.99% with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% NA, respectively.The reduction in the porosity, at age of 90 days, was 20.74%,15.52%, 16.72% and 16.12% with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3% and4% NA, respectively.

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] studied the percentage of waterabsorption and chloride penetration, at age of 28 days, of concretescontaining 15% MK, as cement replacement, modified with NA. Theaddition of NA was 1.5%, by cementitious weight. Fixed w/c ratioand fixed dosage of superplasticizer were employed. The resultsshowed that the percentage of water absorption decreased withthe addition of NA. The reduction in the percentage of waterabsorption was approximately 71.5%. The addition of NA reducedthe chloride penetration compared to the control specimen. Thisreduction was about 71.1%. He and Shi [51] studied the permeabil-ity of cement mortar modified with 1% NA. They reported that NAimproved the chloride penetration resistance of mortar where theapparent diffusion coefficient of chloride anion was reduced. Ta-ble 4 summarizes the previous researches about the effect of NAon the permeability, percentage of water absorption, porosityand chloride penetration of PC system.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that the addition of NA in the pastes accelerated peak timesand dropped heat release values. The workability of mortar/con-crete decreased with the addition of NA. The workability decreasedas the NA content increased. On the same line with this, both initialand final setting times decreased with increasing NA content. Onthe contrary, the compressive strength increased with the additionof NA. Some authors reported that 1% [43] is the optimum contentof NA, in mortars, which gave the highest compressive strength,other reported 1.25% [47,48], 1.5% [42], 3% [44] and other reported5% [45]. On the same line with this, many authors [38–40] reportedthat 1% is the optimum content of NA, in concretes, in the case ofwater curing condition, whilst 2% NA is the optimum in the caseof saturated limewater curing condition. Other authors [41] re-ported 3% NA is the optimum. However, the optimum content ofNA seemed to be depends on many factors such as w/b ratio, curingcondition, nanparticle size and the type and content of pozzolanwhich may be used. The addition of NA up to 2% [40] increasedthe abrasion resistance of concrete. Although some authors[38,39] believed that the addition of NA up to 2% increased the per-centage of water absorption at age of 7 days, NA can reduce it be-yond this age. The optimum content of NA that gave the lowestpercentage of water absorption seemed to be depends on the sameprevious factors.

3. Nano-Fe2O3

3.1. Heat of hydration

Khoshakhlagh et al. [52] studied the heat of hydration, up to70 h, of pastes modified with NF. Cement was partially replacedwith NF at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, by weight. Fixedw/b ratio was used. The results showed that the addition of NFaccelerated peak times and dropped heat rate values.

3.2. Workability and setting time

Nazari et al. [53] studied the workability of concretes modifiedwith NF. Cement was partially replaced with NF at levels of 0%,0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used.The results showed a reduction in the workability with increasingNF content. Nazari et al. [54] studied the initial and final setting

Table 4Effect of NA on the permeability, percentage of water absorption, porosity and chloride penetration of PC system.


Oltulu and S�ahin [47] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% SF)– Reduced the capillary permeability– 1.25% is the optimum followed by 2.5% and 0.5%

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% FA)– Increased the capillary permeability

Nazari and Riahi [38,39] 0, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Increased the percentage water absorption at 7 days– Reduced the percentage water absorption at 28 and 90 days– 0.5% is the optimum followed by 1%, 1.5% and 2%– Reduced the porosity– 1% is the optimum (water curing)– 2% is the optimum (saturated limewater curing)

Nazari and Riahi [41] 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Concrete containing 45% slag)– Reduced the percentage water absorption and porosity– 3% is the optimum followed by 4%, 2% and 1%

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] 0 and 1.5 (Concrete containing 15% MK)– Reduced water absorption and chloride penetration

He and Shi [51] 0 and 1 – Reduced the apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride anion


times of concretes modified with NF. Cement was partially re-placed with NF at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight.Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results showed that both ini-tial and final setting times decreased with the addition of NF. Thesetting times decreased as the content of NF increased.

3.3. Strength

Khoshakhlagh et al. [52] studied the compressive strength, flex-ural strength and splitting tensile strength, at ages of 2, 7 and28 days, of high performance SCCs. Cement was partially replacedwith NF at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, by weight. Fixed w/bratio of 0.4 and fixed dosage, 1%, by weight, of superplasticizerwere employed. The results of all strengths showed an increasewith the addition of NF, at all ages. The addition of 4% NF showedthe optimum content that gave the highest strengths. Theenhancement in the 28 days compressive strength was 20.57%,31.33%, 52.53%, 71.83% and 67.1% with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3%,4% and 5%, respectively. The enhancement in the 28 days flexuralstrength was 11.9%, 38.1%, 59.52%, 76.19% and 69% with the addi-tion of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% NF, respectively, whilst the enhance-ment in the 28 days splitting tensile strength was 6.25%, 31.25%,68.75%, 93.75% and 75%, respectively. They reported that NF actedas a foreign nucleation site that accelerated CSH gel formation as aresult crystalline Ca(OH)2 amount especially at early age of hydra-tion increased and hence the strengths increased.

Li et al. [55,56] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 7and 28 days, of mortars modified with NS. Cement was partially re-placed with NF at levels of 0%, 3%, 5% and 10%, by weight. Fixed w/bratio of 0.5 and various dosages of water reducing agents were em-ployed. The results showed an increase in the compressivestrength with the addition of NF. The enhancement in the 28 dayscompressive strength was 26%, 14.5% and 3.7% at NF contents of3%, 5% and 10%, respectively. The replacement level of 3% showedthe highest compressive strength followed by 5% and 10%, respec-tively. They also studied the flexural strength of mortars incorpo-rated with 0%, 3% and 5% NF, by weight. The results showed anincrease in the flexural strength with increasing NF content. Theenhancement in the flexural strength was 17.8% and 23% at NF con-tents of 3% and 5%, respectively.

Yazdi et al. [57] studied the compressive strength and tensilestrength, at age of 7 days, of mortars modified with NF. Cementwas partially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 1%, 3% and 5%, byweight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.417 and various dosages of superplast-

icizer were employed. The results showed an increase in both com-pressive strength and tensile strength with the addition of 1% and3% NF, whilst the addition of 5% NF decreased the strengths. Theenhancement in the compressive strength was 56.44% and 74%with the addition of 1% and 3% NF, respectively, whilst theenhancement in the tensile strength was 34.43% and 49% withthe addition of 1% and 3% NF, respectively. The reduction in thecompressive strength and tensile strength due to the addition of5% NF was 15.72% and 17.22%, respectively. The addition of NFup to 3%, by weight, acted as a filler for strengthening the micro-structure of cement and reduced the quantity and size of Ca(OH)2

crystals and filled the voids of CSH gel structure and finally thestructure of hydration product was compacted and denser. Increas-ing NF level up to 5%, decreased the nanoparticles distance andCa(OH)2 crystal due to space could not grow to appropriate size.This factor along with the agglomerated nanoparticles caused low-er mechanical properties of the specimens with 5% NF.

Nazari et al. [53] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 7,28 and 90 days, of concretes modified with NF. Cement was par-tially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, byweight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results showed an in-crease in the compressive strength with the addition of NF, at allages. 1% NF showed the optimum content which gave the highestcompressive strength. The enhancement in the 28 days compres-sive strength was 11.41%, 15.49%, 13.86% and 5.7% with the addi-tion of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NF, respectively. They reported thatthe compressive strength of the mixture containing 2% NF wascomparable to that of control due to the fact that the quantity ofNF presented in the mixture was higher than the amount requiredfor combination with the liberated lime during the process ofhydration, thus led to excess silica leaching out caused a deficientin strength. It might be due to the defects generated in dispersionof nanparticles that caused weak zones.

Nazari and Riahi [58] investigated the optimal NF content thatgave the highest splitting tensile strength, at ages of 7, 28 and90 days, of concretes. Cement was partially replaced with NF atlevels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of0.4 was used. Two different curing conditions were employed,either water curing or saturated limewater curing. The resultsshowed that the splitting tensile strength followed the order of1% NF addition > 1.5% > 0.5% > 2% > 0%, for the specimens cured inwater. The enhancement in the 28 days splitting tensile strengthwas 33.33%%, 55.55%, 38.89% and 5.55% with the addition of 0.5%,1%, 1.5% and 2% NF, respectively. On the other hand, the splitting


tensile strength followed the order of 2% NS addi-tion > 1.5% > 1% > 0.5% > 0%, for the specimens cured in saturatedlimewater. The enhancement in the 28 days splitting tensilestrength was 86.66%, 106.67%, 113.33% and 153.33% with the addi-tion 0f 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NF, respectively. The results showedthat the NF specimens cured in saturated limewater had higherstrength than that cured in water. They also studied the splittingtensile strength, at ages of 2, 7 and 28 days, of SCCs modified withNF. Cement was partially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 1.5, 2%,3%, 4% and 5%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The re-sults showed an increase in the splitting tensile strength with theaddition of NF. The splitting tensile strength followed the order of4% NS addition > 5% > 3% > 2% > 1% > 0%. The enhancement in the28 days splitting tensile strength was 6.25%, 31.25%, 68.75%,93.75% and 75% with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% NF,respectively. Nazari et al. [54] studied the flexural strength, at agesof 7, 28 and 90 days, of concretes modified with NF. Cement waspartially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%,by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. The results showedan increase in the flexural strength with the addition of NF, at allages. The enhancement in the 28 days flexural strength was13.64%, 18.18%, 13.64% and 9.1% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%,1.5% and 2% NF, respectively.

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the compressive strength, at agesof 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modifiedwith 0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NF, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4was used. At ages of 3 and 7 days, the results showed an increase inthe compressive strength with the addition of 0.5% and 1.25% NF,whilst the addition of 2.5% NF reduced the compressive strength.For the remaining ages, the compressive strength increased withthe addition of NF. The addition of 0.5% NF showed the highestcompressive strength, at all ages. The enhancement in the 28 dayscompressive strength was 24.43%, 15.82% and 14.28% with theaddition of 0.5%, 1.5% and 2.5% NF, respectively. In another investi-gation, Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied the compressive strength, atages of 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of similar mortar mixtures, butcontaining 5% FA instead of 5% SF. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used.The results showed a reduction in the compressive strength at agesof 3 and 7 days with the addition of NF. On the contrary, an in-crease in the compressive strength was observed with the additionof NF, at ages of 28, 56 and 180 days. The addition of 0.5% NFshowed the highest compressive strength at ages of 28 and180 days, whilst the addition of 1.25% NF showed the highest com-pressive strength at age of 56 days. The enhancement in the28 days compressive strength was 4.7%, 4.44 and 3.82% with theaddition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NF, respectively. Table 5 summa-rizes the previous researches about the effect of NF the strength ofPC system.

3.4. Permeability and water absorption

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the capillary permeability coeffi-cient, at age of 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modified with0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NF, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 wasused. The results showed that the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5%NF reduced the capillary permeability by 26%, 13%, and 6% respec-tively, relative to the control. The addition of 0.5% NF showed theoptimum content followed by 1.25% and 2.5%, respectively. In an-other investigation, Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied the capillary per-meability coefficient, at age of 180 days, of similar mortarmixtures, but containing 5% FA instead of 5% SF. The resultsshowed that the addition of 0.5% and 1.25% NF reduced the capil-lary permeability by 5% and 1%, respectively, relative to the control,whilst the addition of 2.5% NF increased the capillary permeabilityby 3%. He and Shi [51] studied the permeability of cement mortarsmodified with 1% NF. They reported that NF improved the chloride

penetration resistance of mortars where the apparent diffusioncoefficient of chloride anion was reduced.

Khoshakhlagh et al. [52] studied the percentage of waterabsorption, at ages of 2, 7 and 28 days, of high performance SCCs.Cement was partially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%,4% and 5%, by weight. Fixed w/b of 0.4 and fixed dosage, 1%, byweight, of superplasticizer were employed. The results showedan increase in the percentage of water absorption with the additionof NF, at age of 2 days, whilst a reduction in the percentage ofwater absorption with the addition of NF was observed, at agesof 7 and 28 days. This may be due to more the formation of hydra-tion products of NF at early ages of curing. NF accelerated the for-mation of cement hydrates and hence the concrete needed morewater to produce these products. Therefore, at 2 days of curing,the consumption of water in NF concrete was more than that inthe control concrete. At 7 and 28 days of curing, the pore structureof NF concrete was improved and water permeability was de-creased, with the addition of NF, related to the control concrete.However, the reduction in the percentage of water absorption, atage of 28 days, was 56.29%, 61.69%, 68.38%, 73.78% and 70.95%with the addition of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, respectively. The addi-tion of 4% NF showed the optimum content which gave the lowestpercentage of water absorption.

Nazari and Riahi [58] studied the percentage of water absorp-tion, at ages of 7, 28 and 90 days, of concretes modified with NF.Cement was partially replaced with NF at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%,1.5% and 2%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. Two differ-ent curing conditions were employed, either water curing or satu-rated limewater curing. The results showed that the percentage ofwater absorption increased with the addition of NF at age of 7 days,for all curing conditions. On the contrary, the percentage of waterabsorption decreased with the addition of NF at ages of 28 and90 days, for all curing conditions. For the specimens cured in water,the reduction in the percentage of water absorption, at age of28 days, was 57.5%, 52.14%, 48.92% and 45.36% with the additionof 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NF, respectively. The addition of 0.5% NFshowed the lowest percentage of water absorption. For the speci-mens cured in saturated limewater, the reduction in the percent-age of water absorption, at age of 28 days, was 74.25%, 72.15%,67.95% and 65.15% with the addition of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% NF,respectively. The addition of 0.5% NF showed the lowest percent-age of water absorption. The results also showed that the NF spec-imens cured in saturated limewater showed lower percentage ofwater absorption than that cured in water. They also studied thepercentage of water absorption, at ages of 2, 7 and 28 days, of SCCsmodified with NF. Cement was partially replaced with NF at levelsof 0%, 1.5, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 wasused. The results showed an increase in the percentage of waterabsorption with the addition of NF at age of 2 days. On the con-trary, a reduction in the percentage of water absorption was ob-tained with the addition of NF at ages of 7 and 28 days. Thereduction in the percentage of water absorption, at age of 28 days,was 56.29%, 61.69%, 68.38%, 73.78% and 70.95% with the additionof 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, respectively. The addition of 4% NFshowed the lowest percentage of water absorption. Table 6 sum-marizes the previous researches about the effect of NF on the per-meability, percentage of water absorption and chloride penetrationof PC system.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that the addition of NF accelerated peak times and droppedheat rate values. Similar to NA, the addition of NF decreased theworkability, decreased the setting time, but (up to 5% NF) increasedthe compressive strength in which NF acted as a foreign nucleationsite that accelerated CSH gel as a result crystalline Ca(OH)2 amountespecially at the early age of hydration increased and hence thestrength increased. Many authors [55–57] reported that 3% is the

Table 5Effect of NF on the strength of PC system.


Khoshakhlagh et al. [52] 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 – Increased the strengths– 4% is the optimum

Li et al. [55,56] 0, 3, 5 and 10 – Increased the compressive strength– 3% is the optimum followed by 5% and 10%

0, 3 and 5 – Increased the flexural strength– 5% is the optimum

Yazdi et al. [57] 0, 1, 3 and 5 – 1% and 3% increased the compressive and tensile strength– 5% decreased the compressive and tensile strength– 3% is the optimum followed by 1%

Nazari et al. [53] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Increased the compressive strength– 1% is the optimum

Nazari and Riahi [58] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 (Specimens cured in water)– Increased the splitting strength– 1% is the optimum followed by 1.5%, 0.5% and 2%

0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 (Specimens cured in saturated limewater)– Increased the splitting strength– 2% is the optimum followed by 1.5%, 1% and 0.5%

0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5 – Increased the splitting strength– 4% is the optimum followed by 3%, 2% and 1%

Nazari et al. [54] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 – Increased the flexural strength– 1% is the optimum

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% SF)– 0.5% and 1.25% increased the compressive strength at 3 and 7 days– 2.5% decreased the compressive strength at 3 and 7 days– Increased the compressive strength at the remaining ages– 0.5% is the optimum

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5 (Mortar containing 5% FA)– Decreased the compressive strength at 3 and 7 days– Increased the compressive strength at the remaining ages– 0.5% is the optimum


optimum content of NF that gave the highest compressivestrength, other authors [47,48] reported 0.5%. Other authors [57]reported 1% is the optimum content of NF for the specimens curedin water and 2% for the specimens cured in saturated limewater.Although some authors [56] reported that 5% NF gave the highestflexural strength, other authors [57] reported that 5% NF decreasedthe compressive strength and the tensile strength. However, thecontent of NF up to 4% seemed to be the suitable content that gavegood strength. The addition of 4% NF gave the lowest percentage ofwater absorption [52,58]. The capillary permeability reduced withthe addition of NF. The optimum content of NF that gave the lowestcapillary permeability is a function of the type of pozzolan used. In

Table 6Effect of NF on the permeability, percentage of water absorption and chloride penetration

Author Nano content (%)

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] 0, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5

He and Shi [51] 0 and 1

Khoshakhlagh et al. [52] 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Nazari and Riahi [58] 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2

1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5

mortars containing 5% SF, 0.5% NF showed the optimum contentfollowed by 1.25% and 2.5%. On the other hand, in mortars contain-ing 5% FA, 1.25% showed the optimum content of NF followed by0.5%, whilst 2.5% increased the capillary permeability.

4. Nano-Fe3O4

Amin et al. [59] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 3,7, 14, 28 and 90 days, of pastes modified with nano-Fe3O4. The neatpastes were either PC or high slag cement (25% PC + 75% slag). Thepastes were modified with addition of 0%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.3%

of PC system.

Effect

(Mortar containing 5% SF)– Reduced the capillary permeability– 0.5% is the optimum followed by 1.25% and 2.5%

(Mortar containing 5% FA)– 0.5% and 1.25% reduced the capillary permeability– 1.25% is the optimum followed by 0.5%– 2.5% increased capillary permeability

– Reduced the apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride anion

– Increased the percentage of water absorption at 2 days– Reduced the percentage of water absorption at 7 and 28 days– 4% is the optimum

– Increased the percentage of water absorption at 7 days– Reduced the percentage of water absorption at 28 and 90 days– 0.5% is the optimum

– Increased the percentage of water absorption at 7 days– Reduced the percentage of water absorption at 28 and 90 days– 4% is the optimum

Table 7Effect of nano-Fe3O4 on some properties of PC system.


Amin et al. [59] 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 – Increased the compressive strength– 0.3% is the optimum followed by 0.1% and 0.05% at 7 and 14 days– 0.05% is the optimum at 28 and 90 days(Paste containing 75% slag)– Increased the compressive strength– 0.05% is the optimum followed by 0.1% and 0.3%

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] 0 and 1.5 (Concrete containing 15% MK)– Increased the compressive and indirect tensile strength– Reduced the percentage of water absorption– Reduced the chloride penetration

Fig. 4. The 28 days compressive strength of control mortar and mortar containingWG with or without 2.5% NC [64].


nano-Fe3O4, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.3 was used. The resultsshowed a fast rate of hydration during the period up to 14 dayswith the addition of nano-Fe3O4 in PC. This fast rate led to an in-crease in the compressive strength values with the order of 0.3%nano-Fe3O4 > 0.1% > 0.05%. At later hydration ages, from 28 to90 days, the compressive strength values for 0.05% nano-Fe3O4

specimens showed a marked increase with higher values than thatof neat PC specimen, whilst for 0.1% and 0.3% specimens showed avery slight increase in strength with lower values than that of theneat PC specimen. The increase in compressive strength with thepresence of nano-Fe3O4 especially during the early hydration agescould be attributed to the acceleration of hydration reaction bynano-Fe3O4. In addition, the interaction of nano-Fe3O4 with the lib-erated free Ca(OH)2 led to formation a hydrated product, with astructure similar to that of Al-ettringite, designated as Fe-ettring-ite, which had reasonable hydraulic character [60]. As a conse-quence, the hydration of cement accelerated and larger amountof the hydration products were formed which improved the ce-ment microstructure. Therefore, the nano-Fe3O4 acted as nucleifor the deposition of the formed cement hydration products. Thisled to a sort of acceleration of the hydration process [55]. However,for high slag cement specimens, the same trend was obtained, butthe compressive strength value substituted this order 0.05% nano-Fe3O4 > 0.1% > 0.3%.

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] studied the compressive strength,indirect tensile strength, percentage of water absorption and chlo-ride penetration, at age of 28 days, of concretes containing 15% MK,as cement replacement, modified with nano-Fe3O4. The addition ofnano-Fe3O4 was 1.5%, by cementitious weight. Fixed w/c ratio andfixed dosage of superplasticizer were employed. The resultsshowed an increase in both compressive strength and indirect ten-sile strength with the addition of nano-Fe3O4. The enhancement in

the compressive strength and indirect tensile strength was about28.93% and 28.57%, respectively. The percentage of water absorp-tion decreased with the addition of nano-Fe3O4. The reduction inthe percentage of water absorption was approximately 81.7%.The addition of nano-Fe3O4 reduced the chloride penetration com-pared to the control specimen. This reduction was about 21.31%.Table 7 summarizes the previous researches about the effect ofnano-Fe3O4 on some properties of PC system.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that the addition of nano-Fe3O4 up to 0.3% increased thecompressive strength of the pastes, whilst the addition of 1.5%nano-Fe3O4 increased the compressive strength and indirect ten-sile strength of the concretes as well as reduced the percentageof water absorption and chloride penetration.

5. Nano clay

5.1. Strength

Morsy et al. [61] studied the compressive strength and tensilestrength, at age of 28 days, of mortars modified with NC. Cementwas partially replaced with NC at levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%,by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.5% was used. The results showedan increase in both compressive strength and tensile strength withincreasing NC content. The enhancement in the compressivestrength and tensile strength with the addition of 8% NC was 7%and 49%, respectively. Morsy et al. [62] modified mortars withNC. Cement was partial replaced with NC at levels of 0% and 6%,by weight. The results showed 18% enhancement in the compres-sive strength with the addition of NC. Morsy and Aglan [63] par-tially replaced white Portland cement, in pastes, with NC atlevels of 0%, 2% and 4%, by weight. They reported that the additionof NC improved the indirect tensile strength of the pastes. Theaddition of 2% showed the highest improvement which reached25% compared to the paste without NC, at age of 28 days. Morsyet al. [62] studied the compressive strength, at age of 28 days, ofdifferent types of mortar. Cement was partially replaced with NCat levels of 0% and 6%, by weight, then multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was added by ratios of 0%, 0.005%, 0.02%, 0.05%and 0.1%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.5 was used. The resultsshowed 18% enhancement in the compressive strength with theaddition of NC, whilst 29% enhancement in the compressivestrength was obtained with the addition of NC coupled with0.02% MWCNTs.

Aly et al. [64] studied the compressive strength, flexuralstrength and fracture energy, at age of 28 days, of mortars contain-ing 5%, 20%, 30% and 50%, by weight, waste glass powder (WG)modified with 2.5% NC, by weight. Various w/b ratios were used.The results showed an increase in the compressive strength(Fig. 4), flexural strength and fracture energy with the addition ofNC. Specimens containing 20% WG coupled with 2.5% NC showed

Table 8Effect of NC on the strength of PC system.


Morsy et al. [61] 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 – Increased the compressive and tensile strength with increasing NC content

Morsy et al. [62] 0 and 6 – Increased the compressive strength

Morsy and Aglan [63] 0, 2 and 4 (White Portland cement)– Increased the indirect tensile strength– 2% is the optimum

Aly et al. [64] 0 and 2.5 (Mortar containing WG)– Increased the strengths

Aly et al. [65] 0 and 2.5 – Increased strengths

Patel [66] 0, 1 and 2 – Increased the compressive strength– 1% is the optimum

Yeganeh et al. [67] 0 and 2.5 (Mortar containing polystyrene powder)– Increased the strengths

Chang et al. [68] 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 (NM) – Up to 0.6%, increased the compressive strength– 0.6% is the optimum– 0.8% decreased the compressive strength at almost ages

Table 9Effect of NC on the durability of PC system.


He and Shi [51] 0 and 1 – Improved the chloride penetration resistance

Chang et al. [68] 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 – Up to 0.4%, reduced the permeability coefficient– 0.4% is the optimum– 0.6% and 0.8% increased the permeability coefficient at almost ages

Aly et al. [64] 0 and 2.5 (Mortar containing WG)– Reduced the ASR

Aly et al. [65] 0 and 2.5 – Reduced the ASR– Improved the strengths after wet/dry cycles


the highest compressive strength and flexural strength, whilstspecimens containing 50% WG coupled with 2.5% NC showed thehighest fracture energy. In another investigation, Aly et al. [65]studied the flexural energy, flexural strength and impact strength,at age of 28 days, of different types of mortar. Control mortar con-taining 1%, by volume, flax fibres modified with WG and NC. Ce-ment was partially replaced with 20% WG and 2.5% NC, byweight. The results showed 180%, 38% and 31% enhancement inthe fracture energy, flexural strength and impact strength, respec-tively, with the addition of WG and NC. They also modified thecontrol mixture with 2.5% NC as cement replacement, by weight.The results showed about 127.85%, 28.86% and 1.25% enhancementin the fracture energy, flexural strength and impact strength,respectively, with the addition of NC.

Patel [66] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 7 and28 days, of mortars modified with 0%, 1% and 2% NC as additionof cement weight. Fixed contents of water and superplastecizerwere employed. The results showed an increase in the compressivestrength with the addition of NC, at all ages. The addition of 1% NCshowed the highest compressive strength. The enhancement in the28 days compressive strength was 210.11% and 105.46% with theaddition of 1% and 2% NC, respectively. Yeganeh et al. [67] blended0%, 10%, 15% and 20% high impact polystyrene powder with ce-ment mortars. They found that the compression modulus increasedwith the addition of 10% and 15% powder, whilst it decreased withthe addition of 20%. On the other hand, the compressive strengthdecreased with increasing powder content. They modified the mix-ture containing 10% powder by 5% NC. The results showed 4.57%and 21.5% enhancement in the compression modulus and com-pressive strength, respectively.

Chang et al. [68] studied the compressive strength, at ages of 7,14, 28 and 56 days, of pastes modified with nano-montmorillonite

(NM). Five different dosages of NM, 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6 and 0.8% ofcement weight were added. Fixed w/c ratio of 0.55 was used. Theresults showed an increase in the strength with increasing NMcontent up to 0.6%, then the strength started to decrease. The addi-tion of 0.6% NM showed the optimum content which gave thehighest compressive strength, at all ages. The enhancement inthe compressive strength reached 13.24% with the addition of0.6% NM, at age of 56 days. It is worth mentioning that Kawashimaet al. [69] reported that NC had an immediate stiffening effect, gov-erned by flocculation not water adsorption, but little influence overtime. Table 8 summarizes the previous researches about the effectof NC on the strength of PC system.

5.2. Durability

He and Shi [51] studied the permeability of cement mortarsmodified with 1% NC. They reported that NC improved the chloridepenetration resistance of mortars where the apparent diffusioncoefficient of chloride anion was reduced. Chang et al. [68] studiedthe permeability coefficient, at ages of 7, 14, 28 and 56 days, ofpastes modified with nano-montmorillonite (NM). Five differentdosages of NM, 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6 and 0.8% of cement weight wereadded. Fixed w/c ratio of 0.55 was used. The results showed areduction in the permeability coefficient with increasing NM con-tent up to 0.4%, then it started to increase. The addition of 0.4% NMshowed the optimum content that gave the lowest permeabilitycoefficient, at all ages. The reduction in the coefficient of perme-ability reached 49.95%, at age of 56 days, with the addition of0.4% NM.

Aly et al. [64] studied the ASR expansion of mortars containing20% and 50%, by weight, WG modified with 0% and 2.5% NC, byweight. Various w/b ratios were used. The results showed a


reduction in the ASR expansion with the addition of NC. The reduc-tion in expansion due to the addition of NC was about 46.56% and45.58% for the specimens containing 20% and 50% WG, respec-tively. The role of NC in reducing ASR expansion is therefore indecreasing the amount of CH, and hence preventing formation ofswelling gel [70]. In another investigation, Aly et al. [65] studiedthe ASR, up to 16 days, of different types of mortar. Control mortarcontaining 1%, by volume, flax fibres modified with WG and NCwas conducted. Cement was partially replaced with 20% WG and2.5% NC, by weight. The results showed a reduction in the expan-sion reached 50.86% with the addition of WG and NC. They alsomodified control mixture with 2.5% NC as cement replacement,by weight. The results showed about 28.36% reduction in theexpansion with the addition NC.

Aly et al. [65] studied the durability by measuring fracture en-ergy, flexural strength and impact strength after 50 wetting anddrying cycles of different types of mortar. Control mortar contain-ing 1%, by volume, flax fibres modified with WG and NC was con-ducted. Cement was partially replaced with 20% WG and 2.5% NC,by weight. The results showed about 434.4%, 110% and 204.7%enhancement in the fracture energy, flexural strength and impactstrength after cycles, respectively, with the addition of WG andNC. They also modified control mixture with 2.5% NS as cementreplacement, by weight. The results showed about 218.75%, 45%and 147.62% enhancement in the fracture energy, flexural strengthand impact strength after cycles, respectively, with the addition ofNC. Table 9 summarizes the previous researches about the effect ofNC on the durability of PC system.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that the addition of NC up to 8% increased the compressivestrength and tensile strength of the mortars, whilst the additionof 0.8% NC reduced the compressive strength of the pastes. How-ever, the addition of NC up to 2.5%, in mortars, improved the chlo-ride penetration resistance, reduced ASR and improved strengthafter wet/dry cycles, whilst the addition of 0.6% and 0.8% NC, inpastes, almost increased the permeability coefficient. On the con-trary, the addition of NC up to 0.4%, in pastes, reduced the perme-ability coefficient.

6. A combination of nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3 and nano-SiO2

6.1. Strength

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the compressive strength, at agesof 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modifiedwith 0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NF, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of0.4 was used. The results showed an increase in the compressivestrength with the addition of 0.5% NA + NF, at all ages. The additionof either 1.25% or 2.5% NA + NF reduced the compressive strengthat ages of 3 and 7 days, but increased the compressive strengthat the remaining ages. The enhancement in the 28 days compres-sive strength was 16.34%, 8.96% and 11.95% with the addition of0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NF, respectively, relative to the controlspecimen. They also studied the effect of 0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5%NA + NS and NF + NS on the compressive strength of the mortars.The results showed an increase in the compressive strength withthe addition of NA + NS, at all ages. The enhancement in the28 days compressive strength was 26.8%, 18.63% and 11.25% withthe addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NS, respectively. Theaddition of 0.5% NA + NS showed the optimum content which gavethe highest compressive strength at almost all ages, followed by1.25% and 2.5%, respectively. The addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5%NF + NS enhanced the 28 days compressive strength by 18.1%,17% and 1.93%, respectively. The addition of 0.5% NF + NS increased

the compressive strength, at all ages, whilst the addition of 1.25%and 2.5% NF + NS decreased the compressive strength, at ages of3 and 7 days, but increased it at ages of 28, 56 and 180 days. Theyalso used NA + NF + NS to modify the mortars. The results showedthat the addition of 0.5% NA + NF + NS showed the optimum con-tent which gave the highest compressive strength, followed by1.25% and 2.5%, respectively. The addition of 0.5% NA + NF + NS in-creased the compressive strength, at almost all ages, whilst 1.25%and 2.5% reduced the compressive strength at ages of 3 and 7 days,but increased it at the remaining ages. The enhancement in the28 days compressive strength was 18.1%, 17% and 1.93% with theaddition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NF + NS, respectively.

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied the compressive strength, at agesof 3, 7, 28, 56 and 180 days, of similar mortar mixtures, but con-taining 5% FA instead of 5% SF. The results showed an increase inthe compressive strength with the addition of NA + NF. The addi-tion of 1.25% NA + NF showed the highest compressive strength,at ages of 3, 7 and 28 days, whilst the addition of 0.5% showedthe highest compressive strength, at ages of 56 and 180 days. Theenhancement in the 28 days compressive strength was 17.4%,21.62% and 22.74% with the addition 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NF,respectively, regarding to the control specimen. The addition of thecombination of NA and NF showed higher compressive strength, atall ages, compared to the addition of individual NA. The enhance-ment in the 28 days compressive strength of the specimens modi-fied with NA + NF over those modified with individual NA was15.56%, 16.65% and 25% with the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and2.5%, respectively. They also studied the effect of 0%, 0.5%, 1.25%and 2.5% NF + NS and NA + NS on the compressive strength of themortars. The results showed that 0.5% NF + NS reduced the com-pressive strength, at ages of 3, 7 and 28 days, but increased thecompressive strength, at ages of 56 and 180 days. On the otherhand, the addition of either 1.25% or 2.5% NF + NS increased thecompressive strength, at all ages. The reduction in the 28 dayscompressive strength with the addition NF + NS was 2.91%, whilstthe enhancement with the addition of 1.25% and 2.5% NF + NS was20.9% and 9.4%, respectively. The addition 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NSenhanced the 28 days compressive strength by 20.92% and 9.4%,respectively, whilst the addition of 0.5% NA + NS reduced it by2.91%. The addition of 0.5% NA + NS reduced the compressivestrength, at ages of 3, 7 and 28 days, but increased it at ages of56 and 180 days. The addition of 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NS increasedthe compressive strength, at all ages. The addition of 1.25% NA + NSshowed the optimum content which gave the highest compressivestrength, at almost all ages. They also used NF + NA + NS to modifythe mortars. The results showed that the addition of 1.25%NF + NA + NS exhibited the optimum content which gave the high-est compressive strength, followed by 0.5% and 2.5%, respectively.The enhancement in the 28 days compressive strength was 11.89%,31.55% and 2.91% with the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5%NF + NA + NS, respectively.

6.2. Permeability

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] studied the capillary permeability coeffi-cient, at age of 180 days, of mortars containing 5% SF modified with0%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2.5% NA + NF, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4was used. The results showed 13%, 12% and 13% reduction in thecapillary permeability coefficient with the addition of 0.5%, 1.25%and 2.5% NA + NF, respectively. They also used NA + NS, NF + NSand NA + NF + NS to modify the previous mortar mixtures. Thereduction in the capillary permeability coefficient was about28.53%, 16.93% and 10.35% with the addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and2.5% NA + NS, respectively, whilst it was 12%, 14% and 17% withthe addition of NF + NS ((Fig. 5). The addition of 0.5%, 1.25% and


2.5% NA + NF + NS reduced the capillary permeability coefficient byabout 18.9%, 15.21% and 7.9%, respectively.

Oltulu and S�ahin [48] studied the capillary permeability coeffi-cient, at age of 180 days, of similar mortar mixtures, but containing5% FA instead of 5% SF. The results showed 9% and 6% reduction inthe capillary permeability coefficient with the addition of NA + NFand NS + NF, respectively. The combination of NA and NF showedlower capillary permeability coefficient than either individual NAor individual NF. They also used NA + NS, NF + NS and NF + NA + NSto modify the previous mortar mixtures. The addition of 0.5% and2.5% NS + NA increased the coefficient of capillary by 4% and 1%,respectively. On the contrary to that, 1.25% decreased it by 8%.The addition of 1.25% NF + NA + NS reduced the capillary perme-ability coefficient by 14%, whilst the addition of 0.5% and 2.5%NF + NA + NS increased it by 2% and 9%, respectively.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that it is possible to combine one or more type of nanopar-ticles. However, the addition of 0.5% NA + NF or NA + NS or NF + NSor NA + NF + NS in mortars containing 5% SF showed higher com-pressive strength than the addition of 1.25% or 2.5% NA + NF orNA + NS or NF + NS or NA + NF + NS. On the other hand, the addi-tion of 1.25% NA + NF or NF + NS or NF + NA + NS in mortars con-taining 5% FA showed higher compressive strength than theaddition of 0.5% or 2.5% NA + NF or NF + NS or NF + NF + NS. Inmortars containing 5% SF, the addition of 0.5% NA + NS showedthe lowest permeability coefficient followed by 1.25% NA + NS or2.5% NF + NS. In mortars containing 5% FA, the addition of NA + NFshowed lower capillary permeability coefficient than the additionof NS + NF. The addition of 1.25% NF + NA + NS reduced the capil-lary permeability coefficient, whilst the addition of 0.5% or 2.5% in-creased it. From this summary, it is clearly noted that the type ofpozzolan has a significant effect on the optimum content of nano-particles that gave the highest compressive strength or the lowestpermeability coefficient.

7. Comparison between nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3 and other types

Oltulu and S�ahin [47] reported the compressive strength andthe capillary permeability coefficient of mortar specimens contain-ing 5% SF modified with different nano types. The specimens mod-ified with 0.5% NF showed the highest compressive strengthfollowed by 0.5% NA and 0.5% NS, respectively, whilst the speci-mens modified with 1.25% NA showed the highest compressivestrength followed by 1.25% NS and 1.25% NF, respectively. Thespecimens modified with 2.5% NA showed almost the highest com-

Fig. 5. Capillary permeability coefficients of the mortars containing binary nano[47].

pressive strength followed by 2.5% NF, whilst 2.5% NS came in thelast place. The specimens modified with 0.5% NF showed the low-est permeability coefficient, whilst 0.5% NA and 0.5% NS showedthe same permeability coefficient and came in the second place.The specimens modified with 1.25% NA showed the lowest perme-ability coefficient followed by 1.25% NS and 1.25% NF, respectively.The specimens modified with 2.5% NA showed the lowest perme-ability coefficient followed by 2.5% NF, whilst 2.5% NS came inthe last place. For all studied mixtures, it can be noted that 1.25%NA showed the lowest permeability coefficient followed by 0.5%NF, 1.25% NS or 2.5% NA, 1.25% NF, 0.5% NS or 0.5% NA and 2.5%NF, respectively, whilst 2.5% NS came in the last place (Fig. 6).

In another investigation, Oltulu and S�ahin [48] reported thecompressive strength and the capillary permeability coefficient ofmortar specimens containing 5% FA modified with different nanotypes. The specimens modified with 0.5% NF and 0.5% NS showedhigher and comparable compressive strength followed by 0.5%NA. The specimens modified with 1.25% NS showed the highestcompressive strength, whilst 1.25% NF and 1.25% NA showed com-parable compressive strength and came in the second place. Thespecimens modified with 2.5% NF showed the highest compressivestrength, whilst 2.5% NA and 2.5% NS showed comparable com-pressive strength and came in the second place. The specimensmodified with 0.5% NF showed the lowest permeability coefficientfollowed by 0.5% NS and 0.5% NA, respectively. The specimensmodified with 1.25% NS showed the lowest permeability coeffi-cient followed by 1.25% NF and 1.25% NA. The specimens modifiedwith 2.5% NF showed the lowest permeability coefficient followedby 2.5% NA, whilst 2.5% NS came in the last place.

Shekari and Razzaghi [49] compared the compressive strength,indirect tensile strength, the percentage of water absorption andthe chloride penetration, at age of 28 days, of concretes containing15% MK, as cement replacement, modified with different types ofnano (NA, nano-ZrO2, NT and nano-Fe3O4). The addition of nanowas 1.5%, by cementitious weight. Fixed w/c ratio and fixed dosageof superplasticizer were employed. The results showed that thespecimens containing NA gave the highest compressive strengthfollowed by nano-Fe3O4, NT and nano-ZrO2, respectively. Theenhancement in the compressive strength was 55%, 28.93%,22.75% and 20.15% with the addition of NA, nano-Fe3O4, NT andnano-ZrO2, respectively. The specimens modified with nano-Fe3O4 showed the highest indirect tensile strength, followed byNA, NT and nano-ZrO2, respectively (Fig. 7). The addition ofnano-Fe3O4 showed the lowest percentage of water absorption fol-lowed by NA, NT and nano-ZrO2, respectively (Fig. 8). The values of

Fig. 6. Capillary permeability coefficient of mortars containing different types ofnano [47].

Fig. 7. Indirect tensile strength of concrete modified with different types of nano[49].

Fig. 9. Comparison between the 28 days compressive strength of concretesmodified with either NA or NS [39].


water absorption of specimens modified with nano were less than0.4 that of control specimen. On the other hand, the addition ofnano-ZrO2 showed the lowest chloride penetration, followed byNA, NT and nano-Fe3O4, respectively. The reduction in the chloridepenetration due to nano inclusion varied from 20% to 80%, accord-ing to nano type.

Li et al. [55,56] compared the compressive strength, at ages of 7and 28 days, of mortars modified with either NF or NS. Cement waspartially replaced with either NF or NS at levels of 0%, 3%, 5% and10%, by weight. Fixed w/b ratio of 0.5 and various dosages of waterreducing agents were employed. The results showed a comparablecompressive strength results, at age of 7 days between NF and NS.At age of 28 days, the specimens modified with 3% NF showed10.64% higher strength than that modified with 3% NS, whilst thespecimens modified with 5% NS and 10% NS showed 2.11% and21.33% higher strength than that modified with 5% NF and 10%NF, respectively. They also compared the flexural strength of mor-tars incorporated with 0%, 3% and 5% either of NF or NS, by weight.The specimens modified with 3% NF showed similar flexuralstrength to that modified with 3% NS, whilst the specimens modi-fied with 5% NS showed 17.39 higher flexural strength than thatmodified with 5% NF.

Nazari and Riahi [39] compared the compressive strength andabrasion resistance, at ages of 7, 28 and 90 days, of concretes mod-

Fig. 8. The percentage of water absorption of concrete modified with differenttypes of nano [49].

ified with either NA or NS. Cement was partially replaced witheither NA or NS at levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, by weight.Fixed w/b ratio of 0.4 was used. There were two curing conditions,either water curing or saturated limewater curing. The resultsshowed that the specimens modified with NA exhibited lowercompressive strength (Fig. 9) and lower abrasion resistance(Fig. 10) than that modified with NS, at all ages and all curingconditions.

From the above review of the literature of this part, it can benoted that the type and the amount of nanoparticles have signifi-cant effect on the compressive strength and the permeability coef-ficient of the mortars. However, in mortars containing 5% SFmodified with 0.5% nanoparticles, NF showed the highest compres-sive strength and the lowest permeability coefficient followed byNA. On the contrary, when mortars modified with 1.25% or 2.5%nanoparticles, NA showed the highest compressive strength andthe lowest permeability coefficient. In mortars containing 5% FAmodified with 0.5% nanoparticles, NF and NS showed higher com-pressive strength followed by NA. On the other hand, when thesemortars modified with 1.25% and 2.5% nanoparticle, the NS andNF showed the highest compressive strength, respectively. In con-cretes containing 15% MK modified with 1.5% nanoparticles, the NAshowed the highest compressive strength followed by nano-Fe3O4,NT and nano-ZrO2, respectively, whilst the addition of nano-Fe3O4

exhibited the lowest percentage of water absorption followed by

Fig. 10. Comparison between the 28 days abrasion resistance of concretes modifiedwith either NA or NS [39].


NA, NT and nano-ZrO2, respectively. This means, as illustrated be-fore, that the type of pozzolan has a major effect on the optimumamount and the type of nanoparticles used. However, someauthors [39] believed that concrete modified with NA showed low-er compressive strength and abrasion resistance in comparisonwith that modified with the same amount of NS.

8. Conclusions

The current review paper carried out on reviewing the previousworks that investigated the effect of nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3,nano-Fe3O4 and nano-clay as well as combination between differ-ent types of nanoparticles on some properties of cementitiousmaterials based on PC. However, the conclusions of this literaturereview can be summarized as following:

(1) The inclusion of NA into the cementitious matrix-based onPC accelerated the peak times, decreased workability anddecreased the initial and final setting times.

(2) The inclusion of NA (0.5–5% in mortars and 0.5–3% in con-cretes) into the matrix increased the compressive strength,splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and elastic mod-ulus. The optimum NA content that gave the higheststrength is still different from one author to another, but1–2% seemed to be the optimum.

(3) The abrasion resistance of concrete increased with increas-ing NA content up to 2%.

(4) The inclusion of NA into the matrix reduced the percentageof water absorption at later ages. 0.5% seemed to be the opti-mum content, but it depends on curing condition and othercementitious materials blended with PC, where adverselyeffect of NA on the percentage of water absorption wasobtained in mortar containing FA.

(5) The inclusion of NF into the matrix accelerated the peaktimes and dropped the heat rate values. The workabilitydecreased with increasing NF content.

(6) The inclusion of NF (0.5–10% in mortars and 0.5–5% in con-cretes) into the matrix increased the mechanical strength.Some authors reported 3% is the optimum, other reported4%, other reported 1% and other reported 2%; this maydepend on curing condition and type of pozzolan blendedwith PC. 0.5% NF showed the optimum content in mortarcontaining either 5% SF or 5% FA.

(7) The inclusion of NF (up to 5%) into the matrix increased thepercentage of water absorption at early ages (up to 7 days),but reduced it at later ages. Some authors reported that 0.5%NF is the optimum content and other reported 4%. In matrixblended with pozzolan, 0.5% NF is the optimum content inmortar containing 5% SF, whilst 1.25% is the optimum con-tent in mortar containing 5% FA.

(8) The inclusion of nano-Fe3O4 (up to 0.3%) into the matrixincreased the compressive strength, whilst the inclusion ofnano-Fe3O4 (up to 1.5%) into concrete containing 15% MKincreased the compressive strength as well as reduced thepercentage of water absorption and the chloridepenetration.

(9) The inclusion of NC into the matrix increased the mechanicalstrength. Some authors reported 1% is the optimum, otherreported 6%, but most authors used NC up to 2.5%. The addi-tion of NC up to 2.5%, in mortars, improved the chloride pen-etration resistance, reduced ASR and improved strengthafter wet/dry cycles, whilst the addition of 0.6% and 0.8%NC, in pastes, almost increased the permeability coefficient.On the contrary, the addition of NC up to 0.4%, in pastes,reduced the permeability coefficient.

(10) The combination of NA with NS may give prospective prop-erties than the individual NA. The combination of NA withNS showed higher compressive strength than individual0.5% NA in mortar containing 5% SF, whilst 1.25% NA + NSgave lower compressive strength than the individual 1.25%NA. On the same line with this, 0.5% NA + NS showed lowerpermeability coefficient than that of the individual 0.5% NA.

(11) In mortar containing 5% SF, the inclusion of 0.5% NF seemedto be more effective than either 0.5% NA or 0.5% NS where itshowed the highest compressive strength followed by 0.5%NA.

(12) 3% NF is more effective than 3% NS, at age of 28 days, whichshowed higher compressive strength, whilst 5% or 10% NS ismore effective than that of 10% NF.

(13) The same content of NA in concretes showed lower com-pressive strength and abrasion resistance than that of NS.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10973-012-2663-1

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10973-012-2663-1































Documents

A synopsis about the effect of nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3, nano-Fe3O4 and nano-clay on some properties of cementitious materials – A short guide for Civil Engineer