Experimental studies on rheological, mechanical, and microstructure properties of self-compacting concrete containing perovskite nanomaterial

This article presents the effect of LaSrCoO3, oxides commonly known as LSCO nanomaterials, on rheological, mechanical and microstructural properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC). LSCO nanomaterials contents of 1-4 wt% are considered in this study. Compressive, flexural and split tensile strengths of SCC mixes are evaluated at curing ages of 7, 28, and 90 days. The effect of LSCO nanomaterials on the microstructures of above concretes is also evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis techniques, Williamson-Hall equation, and X-Powder software. Results show that workability of SCC mixes decrease with increase in LSCO nanomaterials. Increases are observed in compressive, flexural and split tensile strengths in SCC mixes when LSCO nanomaterials contents increase up to 2 wt%, followed by a decreasing trend which indicate 2 wt% as being the optimum amount. The microstructural analysis by means of various techniques also revels compact microstructure of cement matrix in SCC mixes containing 2 wt% LSCO nanomaterials, confirming the results of mechanical properties.

Automated summary

The study results indicate that the increase in LSCO nanomaterial content reduces the workability of SCC mixes, but can increase compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths at 2 wt%, followed by a decreasing trend. Microstructural analysis reveals that SCC mixes containing 2 wt% LSCO nanomaterials have a compact cement matrix microstructure.