The effects of low curing temperature on the properties of cement mortars containing nanosilica

This study presents the experimental results on the effects of curing temperature and nanosilica, on the compressive strength and absorbing properties of cement mortars. Two groups of mortars were prepared, with the first containing reference samples. The second group was modified with a nanosilica admixture by 3% of the weight of cement. The mortar specimens were cured in 20 degrees C, 10 degrees C and 5 degrees C constant temperature environments. Compressive strength after 12 h, 1, 2, 7 and 28 days, water absorption and capillary porosity were evaluated on a 40x40x40 mm prism. The results confirmed that a low curing temperature delays strength development in the early days of hydration and slows down the strength growth rate of mortars, with an increase in age. The incorporation of nanosilica has a positive effect in improving the mechanical properties of cement mortars cured at low temperatures. Additionally, nanosilica contributes to decreasing the porosity of the cement matrix, so that transport properties, such as open porosity and sorptivity, improve under all curing conditions.