The effects of silicon dioxide, iron(III) oxide and copper oxide nanomaterials on the properties of self-compacting mortar containing fly ash

Abstract

This study presents the mechanical and water absorption properties of self-compacting mortars containing various amounts of nanoparticles, including nano-silicon dioxide (NS), nano-iron(III) oxide (NF) and nano-copper oxide (NC) used in binary and ternary combinations. The nanoparticles were added at proportions corresponding to 1%, 3% and 5% by weight of cement, and fly ash was added as 25% of the weight of the cement in all cases. The results showed an increase in workability of the mortars. In the case of the compressive strength and water absorption when nanoparticles were added individually, the optimum replacement of cement by nanoparticles was around 3% for nano-copper oxide and 3% nano-silicon dioxide for flexural strength. The best results for compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption at the end of 90 d were determined with 5% NS + NC in binary combination and 3% in ternary combination. Moreover, it was found that using nanoparticles decreased the porosity and water absorption of the specimens.