Influence of ZnO and TiO2 on mechanical and durability properties of concrete prepared with and without polypropylene fibers

Abstract

Rapid growth in the construction sector has resulted in an increase in global warming by polluting the environment. Concrete being the primary raw material for construction, it has a significant influence in affecting the environment. TiO2 have shown the ability to remove the organic pollutants from building exposed to UV radiation and removes several air pollutants. ZnO improves the long-term strength of concrete & mortar. Hence to improve strength and reduce the air pollutants, authors have used nanomaterials like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as a partial replacement of cement to enhance the structural performance of concrete. For this research, ZnO in varying percentages like 0,1,2,3,4 & 5 and TiO2 in varying percentages like 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 & 2.5 by weight of cement with and without polypropylene fibers to study fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete. The fresh properties of concrete are measured using the slump cone test. In addition, mechanical properties like flexural, compressive, and split tensile strength are tested at 7, 14, 28, and 90 days of curing. Also, durability tests like water absorption, sorptivity test, and chemical attack are experimented with after 28days of curing. Outcomes of this study exhibit that use of nano materials improved the fresh, mechanical and durability properties of concrete with an increase in its percentage. Based on experimental investigation, it is concluded that the combined effect of 4% ZnO and 2% TiO2 as cement replacement shows the improvement in fresh, mechanical and durability properties of concrete with and without PPF. Thus, the combined effect of these nano materials with fibers will be beneficial for reducing the cement content, makes concrete dense and improves the long-term durability.