Influence of singular and binary nanomaterials on the physical, mechanical and durability properties of mortars subjected to elevated temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles

In this paper, the singular and binary nanomaterials (halloysite nano-clay, nano-CaO and nano-SiO2) as a part replacement of cement were used to enhance the properties of mortars subjected to the elevated temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. The mechanical and physical tests of the mortar were examined. Moreover, the microstructures and pore volume of samples after freeze-thaw cycles were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) technique. As a result, the highest compressive strength has been obtained with 3% halloysite nano-clay after durability effects. For the binary mixtures, the highest compressive strength is related to nano-CaO (2.5%) + halloysite nano-clay (2.5%) after freeze-thaw cycles. At elevated temperatures, the strength loss of mortar with nanomaterials are usually lower than control samples. The strength loss of the combination of nanoCaO and nano-SiO2 after durability effects is lower than the others. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, various types of nanomaterials were used to enhance the properties of mortars subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and elevated temperatures. The combination of halloysite nano-clay and nano-CaO showed the highest compressive strength after durability effects. The strength loss of mortar with nanomaterials was generally lower than control samples under elevated temperatures.