Abstract
The application of nanomaterials in various applied fields has gained worldwide recognition. Nanomaterials have the ability to manipulate the structure at nano-scale. This leads to the generation of tailored and multifunctional composites with improved mechanical and durability performance. Recognizing this, the construction industry recently has started to use a variety of nanomaterials. The use of these materials is found to improve various fundamental characteristics of construction materials including the strength, durability, and lightness. In this chapter an attempt is made to review the use of various nanomaterials in cementitous system. This is followed by a discussion of the challenges related to their use. Finally, the strategies for using nanomaterials in construction industry for the next ten years are identified.
TopNanomaterials In General Applications
Nano particles are the cornerstones of Nano science and nanotechnology. Nano materials bridge the range of micro and nano scales and their presence enhances the mechanical properties of the material. Over the years nanomaterials have seen widespread acceptance and utilization in various fields of science and technology. Owing to its nano size, this technology has allowed us to fabricate enormous products having advantages over conventional ones; ranging from the materials (nano-fuel cells, catalyst, lubricant, aeronautics, automobiles, telecommunications, energy production, mechanics, biology, medicine etc.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Nanomaterials: Describe in principle materials the single units of which is sized in at least one dimension between 1 and 1000 nanometers (10 -9 meter).
Nano-TiO2: Spherical or faceted high surface area oxide magnetic nanostructure particles, typically 20-80 nanometers with specific surface area in the 10-50 m 2 /g range.
Pozzolanic Reaction: Chemical reaction that occurs in Portland cement containing pozzolans.
Carbon Nanofibre: Cylindric nanostructures with graphene layers arranged as stacked cones, cups or plates.
Nano-Fe2O3: Oxide Particles typically 20-40 nanometers with specific surface area in the 30-50 m 2 /g range.
Carbon Nanotubes: Allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure.
Nano-SiO2: Single particles of silica dioxide, an inorganic metal oxide, with a diameter less than 100 nm.