abstract
This study explores incorporation of silica- and alumina-bearing nanoparticles on the mechanical and physical properties of porous alkaline cements derived from industrial by-products. The aim was to determine if nanoparticles could enhance thermal performance, increasing porosity while maintaining compressive strengthSi nanoparticles enhanced strength, up to 100%, attributed to the combination of Si nanoparticles with the aluminosilicate gel. Al nanoparticles did not enhance mechanical performance, but led to density reduction, resulting in decreased strength. Thermal conductivity showed no significant variations due to nanoparticles, with all formulations classified as T2 thermal mortars. The best-performing formulation balanced density, thermal, and mechanical properties effectively, proving suitable for insulating core. Hygric properties within acceptable ranges, with water vapor permeability resistance <15 and capillary water absorption <0.4 kg/m2.min0.5. The findings highlight the potential of Si nanoparticles to improve mechanical performance of porous alkaline cements, offering valuable insights for application in thermal insulation.
keywords
FLY-ASH; PERFORMANCE; GEOPOLYMER; HYDRATION; CONCRETE
subject category
Construction & Building Technology; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Materials Science
authors
Cristelo, N; Veloso, RC; Maia, J; Nunes, S; Bermudez, V; Ramos, NMM; Ventura, J; Rocha, J
our authors
João Rocha
Full Professoracknowledgements
The research presented was financed by the project Circular 2B - 37 CALL#2 - Circular Construction in Energy-Efficient Modular Buildings, financed under the Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy Programme, and within the scope of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism - EEA Grants 2014-2021. Additional financial support was provided to the CQVR - Chemistry Research Centre - Vila Real (UIDB/00616/2020 and UIDP/00616/2020) by FCT/MCTES (COMPETE); and to CONSTRUCT - Instituto de I&D em Estruturas e Construcoes (UIDB/04708/2020) by FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). The NMR spectrometers are part of the National NMR Network (PTNMR) and are partially supported by Infrastructure Project N degrees 022161 (co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE 2020, POCI and PORL and FCT through PIDDAC).