The effects of seawater and nanosilica on the performance of blended cements and composites

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of seawater and nanosilica (3% by weight of cement), on the fresh and hardened properties of cement pastes and mortars produced with two types of low heat cements: Portland pozzolana cement (CEM II) and blast furnace cement (CEM III). The heat of hydration, initial and final setting times, rheological properties, strength development, sorptivity and water accessible porosity of the cement pastes and mortars were determined. The data reveal that cement type has a significant effect on the reaction rate of cement with seawater and nanosilica (NS). Specimens produced with slag-blended cement exhibited a higher cement reaction rate and the composite produced exhibited better mechanical performance, as a result of the additional reaction of alumina rich phases in slag, with seawater. Replacement of freshwater with seawater contributes mostly to a significant improvement of early strength. However, in the case of slag-blended cement, 28 day strength also improved. The incorporation of NS results in additional acceleration of hydration processes, as well as to a decrease in cement setting time. In contrast, the addition of NS results in a noticeable increment in the yield-stress of pastes, with this effect being pronounced when NS is mixed along with seawater. Moreover, the use of seawater and NS has a beneficial effect on microstructure refinement, thus improving the transport properties of cement mortars. Overall, the study has showed that both seawater and NS can be successfully used to accelerate the hydration process of low heat blended cements and to improve the mechanical and transport properties of cement-based composites.