Influence of nanoceramic addition on the performance of cement-based materials

This study aimed to investigate the influence of nanoceramic addition on the performance of cementbased materials, including mortars and concretes. Nanoceramics, a type of nano clay derived from montmorillonite, can potentially enhance the properties of cement-based materials due to their pozzolanic activity. Nanoceramics were added to mortars and concretes at varying percentages (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of cement). Pozzolanic activity tests, workability assessments, compressive strength tests, tensile strength tests, and water permeability tests were conducted on the prepared specimens. The addition of nanoceramics improved the compressive and tensile strengths of mortars and concretes, with optimal percentages varying based on the water-cement ratio. Nanoceramics acted as a pozzolanic material and filler, reducing porosity and enhancing strength. However, higher nanoceramic percentages led to workability issues, necessitating the use of plasticizers or superplasticizers. The study demonstrated the potential of nanoceramics as a mineral admixture for enhancing the performance of cement-based materials. Optimal nanoceramic addition percentages were determined for different water-cement ratios, considering strength gains and workability concerns.