Microstructural analysis and global performance of mortar with tailored nano aggregates

Title: Microstructural analysis and global performance of mortar with tailored nano aggregates
Author(s): Jie Hu, D.A. Koleva, K. van Breugel
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International Symposium on Service Life Design for Infrastructures
Editor(s): K. van Breugel, Guang Ye, Yong Yuan
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-096-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-097-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 791 - 797
Total Pages: 7
Nb references: 15
Language: English

Abstract: Polymeric nano-aggregates (Poly (ethylene oxide)-block-Polystyrene (PEO113-b-PS70) micelles, hydrodynamic radius of approx. 50 nm) were admixed in mortar (i.e. solution of the stabilized in water micelles (in concentration of 0.5 g/l) was added to the mortar mixture as the mixing water). The microstructural properties (porosity, pore size distribution) and more general (global) parameters as water permeability and compressive strength were investigated.
A comparison of these latter properties was made between micelle-containing (0.006 wt. % per mortar weight) and micelle-free mortar specimens. The results indicate that the compressive strength of the micelle-containing mortar was slightly increased. The coefficient of water permeability was 3 orders of magnitude lower for the micelle-containing specimen, compared to the reference (micelle-free) specimen. Additionally, the presence of very low concentration of micelles in the mortar mixture exerted influence on microstructural properties e.g. significantly reduced porosity, compared to micelle-free matrix. The most plausible mechanism seems to be altered cement hydration and re-distribution of hydration products in the presence of micelles in the cementitious matrix.

Online publication: 2011-04-20
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00