Abstract
In this work, the performance of modified cement by nanostructures consisting of boron nitride (BN) and iron oxide inorganic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) was analyzed. The mechanical strength, electrical resistivity, and the degree of cement hydration as well as the microstructure were investigated in detail. A hybrid filler boron nitride-iron oxide (BN–F) composed of Fe3O4 and BN was successfully synthesized using a chemical reaction. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results showed proper binding of BN–F nanostructures. Addition of the hybrid nanostructured BN–F5 (containing 0.5 wt.% Fe3O4 and 0.5 wt.% BN) into the cement matrix increased the compressive strength and flexural strength by 65%, and 74%, respectively, after 28 days of curing. The improvement in mechanical strength is attributed to the increased surface friction induced by the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the BN surfaces, resulting in increased interaction with the matrix. Microstructural studies, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), showed the formation of a dense structure due to improved dispersion in the cement environment and hybrid performance in preventing crack growth, which is the main reason for the overall improvement in mechanical properties. The concrete resistance gauge (RCON, Giatec) and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) tests revealed a significant increase in thermal and electrical conductivity in composite reinforced with nanostructured BN–F.
Highlights
Concrete, the most consumed material in the world, exceeds the per capita output of any other material with an estimated annual consumption of 30 billion tonnes and growing global d emand[1,2]
No surfactants were used in the cement environment due to the positive charges on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles that helped to improve the dispersion of boron nitride (BN)–F nanostructures
It can be seen that the intensities of the peaks corresponding to three major cement hydration phases (CH and calcium-silicate-hydrate gel (C–S–H)) increased by adding BN–Fe3O4 to the cement, which can be attributed to the acceleration of hydration process and the role of nucleation seeding of Fe3O4 and BN nanoparticles, creating a denser and strong structure
Summary
The most consumed material in the world, exceeds the per capita output of any other material with an estimated annual consumption of 30 billion tonnes and growing global d emand[1,2]. This indicates that the bonding and hybridization of the nanoparticles effectively improve the mechanical properties of the cement composite. It indicates that as the dispersion improves, a hard intermediate layer is formed between the cementitious matrix and the BN–F nanostructure that makes the cement deformation harder.
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