Physical and mechanical behavior of high strength self-compacting concrete containing ZrO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract In the present study, the compressive strength, thermal properties and microstructure of self compacting concrete with different amounts of ZrO2 nanoparticles have been investigated. ZrO2 nanoparticles with an average particle size of 15 nm were added to self compacting concrete and various properties of the specimens were measured. The results indicate that ZrO2 nanoparticles are able to improve the compressive strength of self compacting concrete and reverse the negative effects of superplasticizer on compressive strength of the specimens. ZrO2 nanoparticles as a partial replacement of cement up to 4 wt.% could accelerate C–S–H gel formation as a result of the increased crystalline Ca(OH)2 amount at the early ages of hydration. Increasing ZrO2 nanoparticle content to more than 4 wt.% causes reduced compressive strength because of unsuitable dispersion of nanoparticles in the concrete matrix. Accelerated peak appearance in conduction calorimetry tests, more weight loss in thermogravimetric analy...