Nanomaterials in Cementitious Composites: An Update

This review is an update about the addition of nanomaterials in cementitious composites in order to improve their performance. The most common used nanomaterials for cementitious materials are carbon nanotubes, nanocellulose, nanographene, graphene oxide, nanosilica and nanoTiO(2). All these nanomaterials can improve the physical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of cementitious composites, for example increase their compressive and tensile strength, accelerate hydration, decrease porosity and enhance fire resistance. Cement based materials have a very complex nanostructure consisting of hydration products, crystals, unhydrated cement particles and nanoporosity where traditional reinforcement, which is at the macro and micro scale, is not effective. Nanomaterials can reinforce the nanoscale, which wasn't possible heretofore, enhancing the performance of the cementitious matrix.

Automated summary

By adding nanomaterials, the performance of cementitious composites can be effectively improved in terms of mechanical strength, acceleration of hydration, reduction of porosity, and enhancement of fire resistance. Nanomaterials can reinforce on the nanoscale, which enhances the overall performance of the cementitious matrix.