Question

I need to write a literature review on nano-additives for concrete, with aspects on structure, properties and recycling. Can anyone offer any general thoughts in regards to the types of findings expected (in laymans terms)?

Answer 1

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science related to the understanding and control of the mattter at nano scale.With the help of nanotechnology high performance and long lasting products and processes are formed within an ideal context of sustainable development.

Nano material is defined as the materials that includes the particle size which smaller than 200 nanometer.Nanomaterials must be at least 500 nanometer in size.In civil engineering,nanotechnology is being used to improve the properties of cement as well as the concrete.Concretes now a days can be created from nano scale building blocks known as nanotubes,nanolayers,nanoparticles or clusters.improvements to concrete technology is needed now and nano technology is a promising tool to accomplish this task.This process start by manipulating atoms and molecules in a controlled and calculated manner to end with a real application concretes that have exceptionally superior properties.

There are many benefits to incorporating nano additives into concrete.It increases strength and durability of concrete.Nano additives improves the binding effect and also helps to reduce the cement content.The addition of nano additives can improve the properties of concrete due to the effect increased surface area has on reactivity and through filling the nanopores of the ceement paste.Nanosilica and nanotitanium dioxide are the mostly used nano additives in concrete.Carbon nanofibres ar nanotubes are also used which increase strength, modulus and ductility of concrete.Durability is improved through reduced permeability and improved shrinkage properties.One of the most important benefits of nano additives is that it gives the concrete the ability to use marginal and recycled materials.Nano additives provides concretes coating so that they become reusable.Another important benefits of nano additives is that they protect the concrete from cracks and shrinkages.They reduce or even eliminated the no. of joints required,minimize curling by reducing concrete's change in volume from temperature change,minimize warping by reducing the change in volume from loss of moisture.

The possibilities for the applications of nanotechnology in conrete structures are truly endless.This process will continue to evolve and grow in civil engineering in the years to come forever changing the field of Civil Engineering.