Microstructure of cement mortar with nano-particles

The mechanical properties of nano-Fe-2-O-3 and nano-SiO2 cement mortars were experimentally studied. The experimental results showed that the compressive and flexural strengths measured at the 7th day and 28th day of the cement mortars mixed with the nano-particles were higher than that of a plain cement mortar. Therefore, it is feasible to add nano-particles to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. The SEM study of the microstructures between the cement mortar mixed with the nano-particles and the plain cement mortar showed that thenano-Fe2O3 and nano-SiO2 filled up the pores and reduced CaOH2 compound among the hydrates. These mechanisms explained the supreme mechanical performance of the cement mortars with nano-particles. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.