Nanoadditives - Future of High Performance Concrete

Abstract

These days it is almost impossible to imagine the technology of high performance concrete without the use of any kind of additive. Whether it is a material capable of achieving high strength, excellent mobility of the fresh mix without losing cohesion or producing high quality architectural concrete surface, microadditives have their certain place for a long time now. Although the research in this field still has something to offer, it does not hurt to try to consider the future and imagine the path that will be taken in the production of high performance concrete of next generation. The article deals with the possibility of using nanoparticles in concrete technology. These materials can actively participate in the creation of very high-quality cement stone. In addition, due to the extreme reactivity of nanoparticles, these reactions can take place almost immediately after the onset of hydration and during its first hours. The experimental part of the paper assesses the impact of nanoparticles on selected properties of fresh cement paste and hardened cement mortar. In all cases, there was a positive effect and it has been demonstrated that nanoparticles may eventually create a new category of high performance concrete additives.