RETRACTED: Optimizing Mechanical Properties of Binary Blended Concrete Utilizing CuO Nanoparticles

Abstract

Mechanical properties of concrete specimens containing CuO nanoparticles which were cured in saturated limewater have been optimized. CuO nanoparticles were partially added to concrete as nano-fillers. The specimens were cured in water and saturated limewater for 7, 28, and 90 days after casting and then their strengths were evaluated by mechanical tests (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests). The results showed that replacement of Portland cement with CuO nanoparticles up to 1.0 wt.% for the specimens cured in water and 2.0% for the specimens cured in saturated limewater produces concrete with the best strength. It has been observed that the specimens cured in saturated limewater for 28 days and then in water until 90 days produce more strengthened concrete than those cured only in saturated limewater for 90 days. Excess Ca(OH)2 crystals which form after 28 days, when the specimens cured in limewater, do not contribute to strength enhancement as strong as C–S–H gel and hence, the mecha...