Beneficial role of nanosilica in cement based materials - A review

Nanomaterials are gaining widespread attention to be used in construction sector so as to exhibit enhanced performance of materials in terms of smart functions and sustainable features. During the last one decade a number of nanomaterials such as nanosilica, nanotitania, carbon nanotubes and nanoalumina have been explored and among them nanosilica has been used most extensively. A number of publications appeared towards the use of nanosilica in cementitious system is mainly due to the fact that concrete remains the most complex material and its hydration mechanism is still not completely understood. Consequently, researchers are focusing on the basic science of this material at nano/atomic level. Further, researchers are continuing to improve the durability and sustainability of concrete, and they have realized significant increment in mechanical properties of cementitious materials by incorporating nanosilica. This review paper summarizes the effects of nanosilica addition on hydration kinetics, microstructure refinement, fresh/hardened properties and durability characteristics of concrete. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.