Influence of nanoparticles on the strength of ultra-high performance concrete

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a modern composite material with extremely good mechanical characteristics. The application of nanoparticles in concrete is one of the possibilities for improving its properties. Nanoparticles such as nano-SiO2 (NS), nano-Al2O3 (NA), nano-TiO2 (NT), nano-Fe2O3 (NF), nano-ZnO2, nanoclay (NC), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and carbon nanofibers (CNF) can be used in cementitious materials. Nanomaterial in UHPC accelerates the hydration of cement, densifies the microstructure, improves strength, and thus contributes to its durability. Component materials and curing regimes significantly affect the properties of UHPC. For this reason, the influence of various supplementary cementitious materials such as metakaolin and fine ground fly ash and curing regimes (water, steam, and autoclave curing) on the properties of UHPC has been analyzed. The influence of nanosilica as the most frequently applied nanomaterial and the curing regimes on the strength of UHPC is studied. Nanomaterial dispersion and distribution have significant influence on the properties of cement-based materials. Techniques for better homogenization of nanoparticles are listed