Hydration and Physico-Mechanical Characteristics of OPC Pastes Admixed with Nano-ferric Oxide

The present work aims to study the effect of ferric oxide nanoparticles (NF) on the hydration as well as physico-mechanical characteristics of cement pastes admixed with 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mass % NF of cement. In a previous work, the NF was prepared by thermal decomposition of Fe (CH3COO) 2 (OH) at 275, 600 or 800oC. It was found that the crystal size of NF as well as the water of consistency of admixed pastes increase and the setting times elongate with firing temperature. It was also found that 1.0 mass % NF prepared at any temperature shows the optimum amount to give a reasonable results up to 90 days. On the other hand 1.0 % NF prepared at 275oC gives better results than those fired at 600 and 800oC. As the amount of NF increased, the properties are negatively affected. The results of combined water, DTA, DSC and FT-IR are in a good agreement.