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Effect of nano-TiO2 on C–S–H phase distribution within Portland cement paste

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Abstract

We investigate the mechanisms by which titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) interact with cement hydration products. To this end, we synthesize nanomodified cement samples with 1 wt% and 5 wt% of TiO2. We investigate the physical properties using depth-sensing-based methods such as statistical nanoindentation and microscopic scratch testing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy yields the chemistry, whereas micromechanics modeling provides insights into the nanostructure. The macroscopic plane strain modulus increases by 16% and 83%, respectively, and the macroscopic indentation hardness increases by 37% and 40%, respectively. The fracture toughness rises by 3% and 11%, respectively. Environmental scanning electron microscopy reveals a 30% reduction in crack width for TiO2 cement nanocomposites compared to plain cement. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and statistical deconvolution show an increase in the fraction of high-density calcium silicate hydrates (by 22% and 12%, respectively), and in the fraction of calcium hydroxide (by 101% and 251%, respectively). Within the framework of the colloidal and granular models of C–S–H, the increase in stiffness and strength after nano-TiO2 modification of cement paste is due to the closely packed structure and the high atomic coordination number of high-density C–S–H. Similarly, due to the high dimensional stability of high-density C–S–H and calcium hydroxide, our results explain the reported improvements in drying shrinkage and creep properties following cement modification with nano-TiO2.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMMI 1829101. This work made use of the EPIC facility of Northwestern University’s NUANCE Center, which has received support from the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource (NSF ECCS-1542205); the MRSEC program (NSF DMR-1720139) at the Materials Research Center; the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN); the Keck Foundation; and the State of Illinois, through the IIN. A special thanks to Jiaxin Chen for conducting the FTIR tests.

Funding

This study was funded by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CMMI 1829101.

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  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA

    Ange-Therese Akono

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Akono, AT. Effect of nano-TiO2 on C–S–H phase distribution within Portland cement paste. J Mater Sci 55, 11106–11119 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-04847-5

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