High performance cement composites with nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 powders

In this study, the effects nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 on cement mortars were experimentally studied. The percentage of nano-powders were used as 1%, 3% and 5% into the material. Different types of analysis were used to nano-powder’s impact on the cement mortars. Compressive strength tests were applied to the samples of different ages. Mechanical tests were examined at early and late ages. Tests were carried out 3 and 7 days of early ages and also 28 and 90 days of late ages. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were carried out to investigate the microstructure of the samples. Compressive strengths results indicated that the nano-powder additive cement mortar mixtures were higher than the control specimens. Compressive strengths results of the nano-powder additive cement mortars were higher than the control specimens. Moreover, can be seen in the microstructure, nano-powders reduced the pore structure significantly in the specimens. The objective of this study is obtaining a material which has less pore ratio, higher strength and performance.