Influential Mechanisms and Potential Applications of Nano-Silicas in Cement Composites

Document Type : Research Papers

Authors

1 Civil engineering faculty, Graduate University of Technology, Kerman ,Iran

2 Graduate University of Advanced Technology,kerman

Abstract

Nanosilicas have been known as super-pozzolanic materials and compared to silica fume, these materials have higher purity of silica and finer particles. However, in contrast to silica fume, nanosilicas are produced by various methods, leading to different morphologies and agglomeration statuses in their initial form. On the other hand, due to several mechanisms such as the bridging effect of calcium ions between particles, double layer compression at a high ionic concentration, and dehydration of silica surfaces, nanosilica particles are destabilized in the pore solution environment of cement mixtures. Thus, the behavior of these materials is different from that of silica fume. In this research, considering the recent studies, a comprehensive investigation has been carried out on the influence of nanosilicas on the mechanical, durability and microstructural characteristics of cement composites. This study investigates the mechanisms that influence the performance of nanosilica in cement-based materials. Based on these mechanisms, several applications have been suggested and discussed. Some of these applications include viscosity-modifying agent in self-compacting concrete, enhancing the cohesion of cement composites, increasing the adhesion capacity of repair mortars and shotcrete to the substrate surface, accelerating the cement hydration, developing low-alkali cements and fast early-strength cements.

Keywords

Main Subjects


ACI Committee 234. (2006). Guide for the use of silica Fume in concrete, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills.
Adak, D., Sarkar, M. and Mandal, S. (2014). “Effect of nano-silica on strength and durability of fly ash based geopolymer mortar”, Construction and Building Materials, 70, 453-459.
Agarwal, S.K. (2006). “Pozzolanic activity of various siliceous materials”, Cement and Concrete Research, 36(9), 1735-1739.
Aleem, S.A. El, Heikal, M. and Morsi, W.M. (2014). “Hydration characteristic, thermal expansion and microstructure of cement containing nano-silica”, Construction and Building Materials, 59, 151-160.
Allen, L.H. and Matijević, E. (1969). “Stability of colloidal silica: I. Effect of simple electrolytes”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 31(3), 287-296.
Amiri, A., Øye, G. and Sjöblom, J. (2009). “Influence of pH, high salinity and particle concentration on stability and rheological properties of aqueous suspensions of fumed silica”, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 349(1), 43-54.
Anderson, D., Roy, A., Seals, R.K., Cartledge, F.K., Akhter, H. and Jones, S.C. (2000). “A preliminary assessment of the use of an amorphous silica residual as a supplementary cementing material”, Cement and Concrete Research, 30(3), 437-445.
Askarinejad, A. (2017). “Using different methods of nanofabrication as a new way to activate supplementary cementitious materials; A review ”, Civil Engineering Infrastructures Journal, 50(1), 1-19.
Bagheri, A., Parhizkar, T., Madani, H. and Raisghasemi, A.M. (2013a). “The influence of different preparation methods on the aggregation status of pyrogenic nanosilicas used in concrete”, Materials and Structures, 46(1-2), 135-143.
Bagheri, A., Parhizkar, T., Madani, H. and Raisghasemi, A. (2013b). “The influence of pyrogenic nanosilicas with different surface areas and aggregation states on cement hydration”, Asian Journal of Civil Engineering, 14(6), 783-796.
Bahadori, H. and Hosseini, P. (2012). “Reduction of cement consumption by the aid of silica nano-particles (investigation on concrete properties)”, Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 18(3), 416-425.
Barbero, S., Dutto, M., Ferrua, C. and Pereno, A. (2014). “Analysis on existent thermal insulating plasters towards innovative applications: Evaluation methodology for a real cost-performance comparison”, Energy and Buildings, 77, 40-47.
Barnes, P. and Bensted, J. (2002). Structure and performance of cements, CRC Press.
Bastami, M., Baghbadrani, M. and Aslani, F. (2014). “Performance of nano-silica modified high strength concrete at elevated temperatures”, Construction and Building Materials, 68, 402-408.
Bastien, J., Dugat, J. and Prat, E. (1997). “Cement grout containing precipitated silica and superplasticizers for post-tensioning”, ACI Materials Journal, 94(4), 291-295.
Belkowitz, J.S., Belkowitz, W.B., Nawrocki, K. and Fisher, F.T. (2015). “Impact of nanosilica size and surface area on concrete properties”, ACI Materials Journal, 112(3).
Bergna, H.E. (1994). “Colloid chemistry of silica-an overview”, Colloid Chemistry of Silica, 234, 1-47.
Björnström, J., Martinelli, A., Matic, A., Börjesson, L. and Panas, I. (2004). “Accelerating effects of colloidal nano-silica for beneficial calcium–silicate–hydrate formation in cement”, Chemical Physics Letters, 392(1), 242-248.
Bolhassani, M. and Samani, M. (2015). “Effect of type, size, and dosage of nanosilica and microsilica on properties of cement paste and mortar”, ACI Materials Journal, 112(2), 1-7.
Brinker, C.J. and Scherer, G.W. (2013). Sol-gel science: The physics and chemistry of sol-gel processing, Academic press.
Brinkmann, U., Ettlinger, M., Kerner, D. and Schmoll, R. (2006). “Chapter 43 synthetic amorphous silicas”, Surfactant Science Series, 131, 575.
Buratti, C. and Moretti, E. (2012a). “Experimental performance evaluation of aerogel glazing systems", Applied Energy, 97, 430=437.
Buratti, C. and Moretti, E. (2012b). “Glazing systems with silica aerogel for energy savings in buildings”, Applied Energy, 98, 396-403.
Cardenas, H.E. and Struble, L.J. (2006). “Electrokinetic nanoparticle treatment of hardened cement paste for reduction of permeability”, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 18(4), 554-560.
Chandra, S. and Maiti, S.C. (1998). “Improved properties of cement mortar and concrete with colloidal silica”, In Proceeding of 6th NCB International Seminar on Cement and Building Materials, New Delhi, National Council for Cement and Building Materials, The Council, pp. 24-27.
Chen‐Tan, N.W., Van Riessen, A., Ly, C.V. and Southam, D.C. (2009). “Determining the reactivity of a fly ash for production of geopolymer”, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 92(4), 881-887.
Chen, S., Øye, G. and Sjöblom, J. (2007). “Effect of pH and salt on rheological properties of Aerosil suspensions”, Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 28(6), 845-853.
Collepardi, M., Collepardi, S., Skarp, U. and Troli, R. (2004). “Optimization of silica fume, fly ash and amorphous nano-silica in superplasticized high-performance concretes”, In Proceedings of 8th CANMET/ACI International Conference on Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Slag and Natural Pozzolans in Concrete, SP-221, Las Vegas, USA, pp. 495-506.
Collepardi, M., Olagot, J.J.O., Skarp, U. and Troli, R. (2002). “Influence of amorphous colloidal silica on the properties of self-compacting concretes.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Challenges in Concrete Construction-Innovations and Developments in Concrete Materials and Construction, Dundee, Scotland, UK, pp. 473-483.
Cotana, F., Pisello, A.L., Moretti, E. and Buratti, C. (2014). “Multipurpose characterization of glazing systems with silica aerogel: In-field experimental analysis of thermal-energy, lighting and acoustic performance”, Building and Environment, 81, 92-102.
Depasse, J. (1997). “Coagulation of colloidal silica by alkaline cations: Surface dehydration or interparticle bridging?”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 194(1), 260-262.
Dolado, J.S., Campillo, I., Erkizia, E., Ibanez, J.A., Porro, A., Guerrero, A. and Goni, S. (2007). “Effect of nanosilica additions on belite cement pastes held in sulfate solutions”, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 90(12), 3973-3976.
Du, H., Du, S. and Liu, X. (2015). “Effect of nano-silica on the mechanical and transport properties of lightweight concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, 82, 114-122.
Gaitero, J.J., Campillo, I. and Guerrero, A. (2008). “Reduction of the calcium leaching rate of cement paste by addition of silica nanoparticles”, Cement and Concrete Research, 38(8), 1112-1118.
Gao, X., Yu, Q.L. and Brouwers, H.J.H. (2015). “Characterization of alkali activated slag–fly ash blends containing nano-silica”, Construction and Building Materials, 98, 397-406.
Gao, Y. and Zou, C. (2015). “Experimental study on segregation resistance of nanoSiO2 fly ash lightweight aggregate concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, 93, 64-69.
Gao, T., Jelle, B.P., Gustavsen, A. and Jacobsen, S. (2014a). “Aerogel-incorporated concrete: an experimental study”, Construction and Building Materials, 52, 130-136.
Gao, T., Jelle, B.P., Ihara, T. and Gustavsen, A. (2014b). “Insulating glazing units with silica aerogel granules: The impact of particle size”, Applied Energy, 128, 27-34.
Gao, T., Jelle, B.P., Sandberg, L.I.C. and Gustavsen, A. (2013). “Monodisperse hollow silica nanospheres for nano insulation materials: synthesis, characterization, and life cycle assessment”, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 5(3), 761-767.
Gao, T., Sandberg, L.I.C., Jelle, B.P. and Gustavsen, A. (2012). “Nano insulation materials for energy efficient buildings: a case study on hollow silica nanospheres”, Fuelling the Future: Advances in Science and Technologies for Energy Generation, Transmission and Storage, 535-539.
Gartner, E.M. and Jennings, H.M. (1987). “Thermodynamics of calcium silicate hydrates and their solutions”, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 70(10), 743-749.
Ghafari, E., Arezoumandi, M., Costa, H. and Júlio, E. (2015a). “Influence of nano-silica addition on durability of UHPC”, Construction and Building Materials, 94, 181-188.
 Ghafari, E., Costa, H. and Júlio, E. (2015b). “Critical review on eco-efficient ultra high performance concrete enhanced with nano-materials”, Construction and Building Materials, 101, 201-208.
Ghafari, E., Costa, H., Júlio, E., Portugal, A. and Durães, L. (2014). “The effect of nanosilica addition on flowability, strength and transport properties of ultra high performance concrete”, Materials and Design, 59, 1-9.
Givi, A. N., Rashid, S.A., Aziz, F.N.A. and Salleh, M.A.M. (2010). “Experimental investigation of the size effects of SiO2 nano-particles on the mechanical properties of binary blended concrete”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 41(8), 673–677.
Givi, A.N., Rashid, S.A., Aziz, F.N.A. and Salleh, M.A.M. (2011). “Investigations on the development of the permeability properties of binary blended concrete with nano-SiO2 particles”, Journal of Composite Materials, 45(19), 1931-1938.
Grandcolas, M., Etienne, G., Tilset, B.G., Gao, T., Sandberg, L.I.C., Gustavsen, A. and Jelle, B.P. (2013). “Hollow silica nanospheres as a superinsulating material”, In Proceedings of the 11th International Vacuum Insulation Symposium (IVIS 2013), pp. 43-44.
Green, B.H. (2008). “Development of a high-density cementitious rock-matching grout using nano-particles”, Proceedings of ACI Session on Nanotechnology of Concrete: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives, November, 7, 119-130.
Güneyisi, E., Gesoglu, M., Al-Goody, A. and İpek, S. (2015). “Fresh and rheological behavior of nano-silica and fly ash blended self-compacting concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, 95, 29-44.
Heikal, M., El Aleem, S.A. and Morsi, W.M. (2013). “Characteristics of blended cements containing nano-silica”, HBRC Journal, 9(3), 243-255.
Hewlett, P. (2003). Lea’s chemistry of cement and concrete, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Hou, P., Kawashima, S., Kong, D., Corr, D.J., Qian, J. and Shah, S.P. (2013). “Modification effects of colloidal nanoSiO2 on cement hydration and its gel property”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 45(1), 440-448.
Hou, P., Wang, K., Qian, J., Kawashima, S., Kong, D. and Shah, S.P. (2012). “Effects of colloidal nanoSiO2 on fly ash hydration”, Cement and Concrete Composites, 34(10), 1095-1103.
Iler, R.K. (1975). “Coagulation of colloidal silica by calcium ions, mechanism, and effect of particle size”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 53(3), 476-488.
Jain, J.A. and Neithalath, N. (2009). “Beneficial effects of small amounts of nano-silica on the chemical stability of cement pastes exposed to neutral pH environments”, in ACI, Fall 2009 Convention.
Jelle, B.P., Gao, T., Sandberg, L.I.C., Tilset, B.G., Grandcolas, M. and Gustavsen, A. (2014). “Thermal superinsulation for building applications: From concepts to experimental investigations”, International Journal of Structural Analysis and Design, 1, 43-50.
Jelle, B.P., Gao, T., Tilset, B. G., Sandberg, L.I.C., Grandcolas, M., Simon, C. and Gustavsen, A. (2013). “Experimental pathways for achieving superinsulation through nano insulation materials”, In Proceedings of the 11th International Vacuum Insulation Symposium (IVIS 2013), Dübendorf, Zürich, Switzerland, pp. 19-20.
Jelle, B.P., Gustavsen, A. and Baetens, R. (2012). “Innovative high performance thermal building insulation materials- todays state-of-the-art and beyond tomorrow”, Atlanta, 2, 4.
Ji, T. (2005). “Preliminary study on the water permeability and microstructure of concrete incorporating nano-SiO2”, Cement and Concrete Research, 35(10), 1943-1947.
Jo, B.W., Kim, C.H. and Lim, J.H. (2007a). “Investigations on the development of powder concrete with nano-SiO2 particles”, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 11(1), 37-42.
Jo, B.W., Kim, C.H., Tae, G. and Park, J.B. (2007b). “Characteristics of cement mortar with nano-SiO2 particles”, Construction and Building Materials, 21(6), 1351-1355.
Khaloo, A., Mobini, M.H. and Hosseini, P. (2016). “Influence of different types of nano-SiO 2 particles on properties of high-performance concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, 113, 188-201.
Kim, S., Seo, J., Cha, J. and Kim, S. (2013). “Chemical retreating for gel-typed aerogel and insulation performance of cement containing aerogel”, Construction and Building Materials, 40, 501-505.
Korpa, A., Kowald, T. and Trettin, R. (2008a). “Hydration behaviour, structure and morphology of hydration phases in advanced cement-based systems containing micro and nanoscale pozzolanic additives”, Cement and Concrete Research, 38(7), 955-962.
Korpa, A., Trettin, R., Böger, K.G., Thieme, J. and Schmidt, C. (2008b). “Pozzolanic reactivity of nanoscale pyrogene oxides and their strength contribution in cement-based systems”, Advances in Cement Research, 20(1), 35-46.
Kurdowski, W. and Nocuń-Wczelik, W. (1983). “The tricalcium silicate hydration in the presence of active silica”, Cement and Concrete Research, 13(3), 341-348.
Land, G. and Stephan, D. (2012). “The influence of nano-silica on the hydration of ordinary Portland cement”, Journal of Materials Science, 47(2), 1011-1017.
Lee, K.P. and Kelly, D.P. (1992). “The pulmonary response and clearance of Ludox colloidal silica after a 4-week inhalation exposure in rats”, Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 19(3), 399-410.
Li, H., Xiao, H., Yuan, J. and Ou, J. (2004). “Microstructure of cement mortar with nano-particles”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 35(2), 185-189.
Li H., Zhang, M. and Ou, J. (2006). “Abrasion resistance of concrete containing nano-particles for pavement”, Wear, 260(11), 1262-1266.
Lin, D.F., Lin, K.L., Chang, W.C., Luo, H.L. and Cai, M.Q. (2008). “Improvements of nano-SiO2 on sludge/fly ash mortar”, Waste Management, 28(6), 1081-1087.
Liu, J., Li, Q. and Xu, S. (2015). “Influence of nanoparticles on fluidity and mechanical properties of cement mortar”, Construction and Building Materials, 101, 892-901.
Lothenbach, B., Le Saout, G., Haha, M. Ben, Figi, R. and Wieland, E. (2012). “Hydration of a low-alkali CEM III/B–SiO2 cement (LAC)”, Cement and Concrete Research, 42(2), 410-423.
Ltifi, M., Guefrech, A., Mounanga, P. and Khelidj, A. (2011). “Experimental study of the effect of addition of nano-silica on the behaviour of cement mortars”, Procedia Engineering, 10, 900-905.
Madani, H. and Bagheri, A. (2012). “A comparison between the pozzolanic reactivity of nanosilica sols and pyrogenic nanosilicas”, Proceeding of Hipermat 2012 Internatinal Symposium on UHPC and  Nano Technology  for High Performance Concrete Construction Materials.
Madani, H., Bagheri, A. and Parhizkar, T. (2012). “The pozzolanic reactivity of monodispersed nanosilica hydrosols and their influence on the hydration characteristics of Portland cement”, Cement and Concrete Research, 42(12), 1563-1570.
Madani, H., Bagheri, A., Parhizkar, T. and Raisghasemi, A. (2014). “Chloride penetration and electrical resistivity of concretes containing nanosilica hydrosols with different specific surface areas”, Cement and Concrete Composites, 53, 18-24.
Madani, H., Ramezanianpour, A.A., Shahbazinia, M., Bokaeian, V. and Ahari, S. (2016). “The influence of ultrafine filler materials on mechanical and durability characteristics of concrete”, Civil Engineering Infrastructures Journal, 49(2), 251-262.
Merget, R., Bauer, T., Küpper, H., Philippou, S., Bauer, H., Breitstadt, R. and Bruening, T. (2002). “Health hazards due to the inhalation of amorphous silica”, Archives of Toxicology, 75(11), 625-634.
Mobini, M.H., Khaloo, A., Hosseini, P. and Esrafili, A. (2015). “Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete incorporating pyrogenic nanosilica with different surface areas”, Construction and Building Materials, 101, 130-140.
Mondal, P., Shah, S., Marks, L. and Gaitero, J. (2010). “Comparative study of the effects of microsilica and nanosilica in concrete”, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2141(2), 6-9.
Nazari, A. and Riahi, S. (2011). “The effects of SiO 2 nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of high strength compacting concrete”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 42(3), 570-578.
Napierska, D., Thomassen, L.C.J., Lison, D., Martens, J.A. and Hoet, P.H. (2010). “The nanosilica hazard: another variable entity”, Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 7(1), 39.
Ng, S., Jelle, B.P., Sandberg, L.I.C., Gao, T. and Wallevik, Ó. H. (2015). “Experimental investigations of aerogel-incorporated ultra-high performance concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, 77, 307-316.
Norhasri, M.S.M., Hamidah, M.S. and Fadzil, A.M. (2017). “Applications of using nano material in concrete: A review”, Construction and Building Materials, 133, 91-97.
Olivia, M. and Nikraz, H. (2012). “Properties of fly ash geopolymer concrete designed by Taguchi method.” Materials & Design (1980-2015), 36, 191-198.
Pacheco-Torgal, F., Labrincha, J., Leonelli, C., Palomo, A. and Chindaprasit, P. (2014). Handbook of alkali-activated cements, mortars and concretes, Elsevier.
Patterson, R.E. (1994). “Preparation and uses of silica gels and precipitated silicas”, ACS Publications.
Pierre, A.C. and Pajonk, G.M. (2002). “Chemistry of aerogels and their applications”, Chemical Reviews, 102(11), 4243-4266.
Pierre, A.C. and Rigacci, A. (2011). “SiO2 aerogels”, In Aerogels handbook, pp. 21-45, Springer.
Porro, A., Dolado, J.S., Campillo, I., Erkizia, E., De Miguel, Y., de Ibarra, Y.S. and Ayuela, A. (2005). “Effects of nanosilica additions on cement pastes”, In Applications of Nanotechnology in Concrete Design, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK, 7 July, pp. 87-96, Thomas Telford Publishing.
Pourjavadi, A., Fakoorpoor, S.M., Khaloo, A. and Hosseini, P. (2012). “Improving the performance of cement-based composites containing superabsorbent polymers by utilization of nano-SiO 2 particles”, Materials and Design, 42, 94-101.
Qing, Y., Zenan, Z., Deyu, K. and Rongshen, C. (2007). “Influence of nano-SiO2 addition on properties of hardened cement paste as compared with silica fume”, Construction and Building Materials, 21(3), 539-545.
Quercia, G., Hüsken, G. and Brouwers, H.J.H. (2012). “Water demand of amorphous nano silica and its impact on the workability of cement paste”, Cement and Concrete Research, 42(2), 344-357.
Rahaman, M. and Rahaman, M.N. (2006). Ceramic processing, CRC press.
Rao, G.A. (2003). “Investigations on the performance of silica fume-incorporated cement pastes and mortars”, Cement and Concrete Research, 33(11), 1765-1770.
Ravina, L. and Moramarco, N. (1993). “Everything you want to know about coagulation and flocculation. Zeta-Meter Inc, 19-24.
Richard, P. and Cheyrezy, M.H. (1994). “Reactive powder concretes with high ductility and 200-800 MPa compressive strength”, Special Publication, 144, 507-518.
Rodríguez, E.D., Bernal, S.A., Provis, J.L., Paya, J., Monzo, J.M. and Borrachero, M.V. (2013). “Effect of nanosilica-based activators on the performance of an alkali-activated fly ash binder”, Cement and Concrete Composites, 35(1), 1-11.
Said, A.M., Zeidan, M.S., Bassuoni, M.T. and Tian, Y. (2012). “Properties of concrete incorporating nano-silica”, Construction and Building Materials, 36, 838-844.
Sanchez, F. and Sobolev, K. (2010). “Nanotechnology in concrete–a review”, Construction and Building Materials, 24(11), 2060-2071.
Sandberg, L.I.C., Gao, T., Jelle, B.P. and Gustavsen, A. (2013). “Synthesis of hollow silica nanospheres by sacrificial polystyrene templates for thermal insulation applications”, Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2013(483561), 1-6.
Schick, M.J. and Hubbard, T. (2006). “Colloidal silica fundamentals and applications”, Surfactant Science Series: Chapter of Colloid Science, Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Schlanbusch, R.D., Jelle, B.P., Sandberg, L.I.C., Fufa, S.M. and Gao, T. (2014). “Integration of life cycle assessment in the design of hollow silica nanospheres for thermal insulation applications”, Building and Environment, 80, 115-124.
Schultz, J.M., Jensen, K.I. and Kristiansen, F.H. (2005). “Super insulating aerogel glazing”, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 89(2), 275-285.
Schwarz, N., DuBois, M. and Neithalath, N. (2007). “Characterizing cement pastes incorporating two high silica fine materials using electrical impedance”, Special Publication, 242, 253-266.
Senff, L., Hotza, D., Lucas, S., Ferreira, V.M. and Labrincha, J.A. (2012). “Effect of nano-SiO2 and nano-TiO2 addition on the rheological behavior and the hardened properties of cement mortars”, Materials Science and Engineering: A, 532, 354-361.
Senff, L., Labrincha, J.A., Ferreira, V.M., Hotza, D. and Repette, W.L. (2009). “Effect of nano-silica on rheology and fresh properties of cement pastes and mortars”, Construction and Building Materials, 23(7), 2487-2491.
Shaikh, F.U.A. and Supit, S.W.M. (2015). “Chloride induced corrosion durability of high volume fly ash concretes containing nano particles”, Construction and Building Materials, 99, 208-225.
Shi, C., Roy, D. and Krivenko, P. (2006). Alkali-activated cements and concretes. CRC press.
Shih, J.-Y., Chang, T.-P. and Hsiao, T.-C. (2006). “Effect of nanosilica on characterization of Portland cement composite”, Materials Science and Engineering: A, 424(1), 266-274.
Singh, L.P., Agarwal, S.K., Bhattacharyya, S.K., Sharma, U. and Ahalawat, S. (2011). “Preparation of silica nanoparticles and its beneficial role in cementitious materials”, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, 1, 9.
Singh, L.P., Bhattacharyya, S.K. and Ahalawat, S. (2012a). “Preparation of size controlled silica nano particles and its functional role in cementitious system”, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 10(11), 345-352.
Singh, L.P., Bhattacharyya, S.K., Singh, P. and Ahalawat, S. (2012b). “Granulometric synthesis and characterisation of dispersed nanosilica powder and its application in cementitious system”, Advances in Applied Ceramics, 111(4), 220-227.
Singh, L.P., Karade, S.R., Bhattacharyya, S.K., Yousuf, M.M. and Ahalawat, S. (2013). “Beneficial role of nanosilica in cement based materials, A review”, Construction and Building Materials, 47, 1069-1077.
Sobolev, K., Flores, I., Hermosillo, R. and Torres-Martínez, L.M. (2006). “Nanomaterials and nanotechnology for high-performance cement composites”, Proceedings of ACI Sessions on Nanotechnology of Concrete: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives, 91-118.
Sonebi, M., Carr, P. and Ammar, Y. (2015). “Effect of Nano-silica on Fresh Properties and Rheology of Grouts”, In Nanotechnology in Construction, pp. 187-192, Springer.
Stahl, T., Brunner, S., Zimmermann, M. and Wakili, K.G. (2012). “Thermo-hygric properties of a newly developed aerogel based insulation rendering for both exterior and interior applications”, Energy and Buildings, 44, 114-117.
Stefanidou, M. and Papayianni, I. (2012). “Influence of nano-SiO2 on the Portland cement pastes”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 43(6), 2706-2710.
Taylor, H.F.W. (1997). Cement chemistry, Thomas Telford.
Vickers, L., Van Riessen, A. and Rickard, W.D.A. (2015). Fire-resistant geopolymers: Role of fibres and fillers to enhance thermal properties, Springer.
Wang, B., Wang, L. and Lai, F.C. (2008). “Freezing resistance of HPC with nano-SiO2”, Journal of Wuhan University of Technology,Materials Science Edition, 23(1), 85-88.
Wei, G., Liu, Y., Zhang, X., Yu, F. and Du, X. (2011). “Thermal conductivities study on silica aerogel and its composite insulation materials”, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(11), 2355-2366.
Yu, R., Spiesz, P. and Brouwers, H.J.H. (2014). “Effect of nano-silica on the hydration and microstructure development of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with a low binder amount”, Construction and Building Materials, 65, 140-150.
Zerrouk, R., Foissy, A., Mercier, R., Chevallier, Y. and Morawski, J.-C. (1990). “Study of Ca2+-induced silica coagulation by small angle scattering”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 139(1), 20–29.
Zhang, M.-H. and Islam, J. (2012). “Use of nano-silica to reduce setting time and increase early strength of concretes with high volumes of fly ash or slag”, Construction and Building Materials, 29, 573-580.
Zhang, M.-H., Islam, J. and Peethamparan, S. (2012). “Use of nano-silica to increase early strength and reduce setting time of concretes with high volumes of slag”, Cement and Concrete Composites, 34(5), 650–662.
Zhang, M. and Li, H. (2011). “Pore structure and chloride permeability of concrete containing nano-particles for pavement”, Construction and Building Materials, 25(2), 608-616.
Zhu, J., Feng, C., Yin, H., Zhang, Z. and Shah, S.P. (2015). “Effects of colloidal nanoBoehmite and nanoSiO2 on fly ash cement hydration”, Construction and Building Materials, 101, 246-251.