Utilisation of Nano Titanium Dioxide as a Soil Stabiliser

Abstract

Recent advancements in nanotechnology show great potential in addressing many challenges. Nanoparticles in cementitious materials have been extensively documented due to its low cost, safety, and chemical stability; nevertheless, few studies have been undertaken to explore the impacts of nanoparticles on the stabilisation of soils. In the present study, the ability of a nanoparticle to act as a soil stabiliser is investigated. The strength properties of three cohesive soils combined with a nanoparticle were studied. The nanoparticle used in this study is nano titanium dioxide (N-TiO2). Nano titanium dioxide in the range of 0.5−1.2 per cent was shown to have an effect on the behaviour of three cohesive soils. The cohesive soils selected for the study were marine soil, paddy soil and laterite soil. At various curing times, a series of consistency limits and unconfined compression tests were performed. The experimental results indicate a decrease in the liquid limit and plasticity index of soils with the increase in N-TiO2. The addition of nano titanium dioxide has brought about an improvement in the strength of the cohesive soils. The lowering of the plasticity index was unaffected by the curing time. The study implies that even trace levels of N-TiO2 can affect soil properties. Hence N-TiO2 could be used as an effective agent in stabilising cohesive soils.