Effect Of Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Amorphous Silica on Fresh and Hardened Concrete

Abstract

High-performance concrete structures to attain high strength and durability consume more cement, creating many environmental issues and is also uneconomical. Researchers have been addressing the issues by adding nanomaterials to the concrete. In the present investigation, trials are conducted to add Anatase Nano Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) and Amorphous Silica (AS) nanomaterials at various combination proportions 0.5% & 2.5%, 1% & 5%, 1.5% & 7.5%, 2% & 10%, and 2.5% & 12.5% by weight of cement. The workability, mechanical, and durability properties and compared with conventional concrete of M25 grade. Concrete specimens were cast and cured. Mechanical properties obtained after 7, 14, and 28 days curing in normal water and durability properties after 90 days curing in acidic (5% of H₂SO₄) water. TiO₂ and AS combination at the proportions of 1.5% & 7.5% produces better results than conventional concrete. Compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths at 28 days increase from 28.01 to 42.04 N/mm² (50.09%), 3.51 to 3.99 N/mm² (13.68%) and 3.14 to 4.12 N/mm² (31.21%), respectively. TiO₂ and AS combination at the proportions of 1.5% & 7.5% recommended for M25 grade concrete for better strength and durability.