Carbonic nanoparticles and C-S-H insertion into cementitious nanocomposite

Use of nanomaterials in cementitious nanocomposites is a possibility to improving mechanical properties as well as increased durability. In this research the insertion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and particles of Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) with Ca/Si=0.8 and Ca/Si=1.2 ratios were used in microconcrete specimens. The effects on the compressive and tensile strength were tested, besides analysis of the porous structure by mercury intrusion, as well as the microstructure by scanning electron microscopy. Nanocomposites were produced by varying NTCPM insertions at 0.1% and 0.2% and C-S-H inserts at 1% and 2%, all of them based on cement mass. The results showed that the nanocomposites with C-S-H insertion with Ca/Si=0.8 ratio were the least porous and presented the highest tensile and compressive strengths, reaching strength increases in the order of 30% compared to the control material because C-S-H insertion with Ca/Si=0.8 ratio is reactive and causes reduction of the total porosity.